Maduro Accuses CIA of Plotting Coup in Venezuela Amid Escalating U.S. Tensions

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the United States, specifically the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), of orchestrating a coup to overthrow his government, citing heightened American pressure and provocative statements from U.S. officials. In a televised address to a special committee, formed in response to the U.S. deployment of Navy ships in the Caribbean under the guise of combating drug trafficking, Maduro denounced Washington’s actions as reminiscent of its failed interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“No war in the Caribbean. No regime change. No CIA-sponsored coups,” Maduro declared, urging the American people to seek peace rather than conflict. “Not war, but peace. People of the United States, please.”

Maduro’s remarks followed Trump’s admission that he authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela, which may include strikes on ground targets linked to drug cartels. Maduro vehemently denied allegations of his involvement in drug trafficking and mobilized Venezuela’s army, police, and civilian militias to safeguard key infrastructure. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil condemned the U.S. actions as “an aggressive policy of threats and harassment.”

Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott warned Maduro of an imminent overthrow, suggesting he “pack his bags for Russia or China” because “his days are numbered.” In a social media statement, Scott accused Maduro of supporting drug trafficking and committing human rights abuses, pointing to recent U.S. actions targeting Venezuelan cartels.

Analysts speculate that the U.S. may be preparing for a military invasion or a targeted special operation against Maduro in the coming days, heightening fears of a broader conflict in the region.