U.S. Special Forces Have Been Operating in Venezuela 'For Some Time', Former FBI Official Says

A former FBI agent has claimed that U.S. special forces have been operating covertly in Venezuela "for some time," suggesting that recent moves by Washington form part of a broader military and intelligence strategy authorized under U.S. law.

Speaking on NTN24, former FBI agent César Paz said that the latest actions by the Trump administration toward Venezuela, which reportedly include authorizing the CIA to conduct lethal covert operations, are "legal and military in nature" and backed by Title 50 of U.S. law, which allows the president to authorize covert operations abroad on national security grounds.

"The decision is not just President Trump's—it's an entire team of advisers who have recommended this step, and they are doing it under Title 50," Paz explained to the outlet. He described such operations as "covert" and said that, based on his experience, "there are already special forces elements in Venezuela from some time ago."

Paz argued that Washington's actions are justified by what he characterized as crimes against U.S. security interests. "When crimes are committed against the security of the United States, as is the case of Venezuela—a government involved in drug trafficking for years—we cannot close our eyes and pretend nothing is happening," he said.

The former agent also disputed the notion that Venezuela does not produce cocaine. "Many believe that Venezuela doesn't produce it, but in reality, it does—albeit at low levels. Laboratories have been found near the Colombian-Venezuelan border," he said.

Paz defended the legality of any operations reportedly conducted under the Trump administration, stating: "It is constitutional, authorized by Congress, and it is legal." He also criticized Nicolás Maduro's response to U.S. actions, saying it is "a mockery and an abuse to make the Venezuelan people believe they can confront the kind of military force the United States has... The only valid option is for him and the other 14 indicted officials to surrender."