U.S. intelligence officials are preparing to establish a sustained presence inside Venezuela as part of Washington's effort to shape the country's political transition after the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro, according to a new report.
Discussions between the CIA and the State Department have focused on defining the U.S. footprint in Venezuela in both the short and long term. While the State Department is expected to anchor Washington's diplomatic presence, the administration is likely to rely on the CIA to lead the initial phase of re-engagement amid political uncertainty and security risks following Maduro's removal.
