“We are aware that personnel from the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency are currently operating inside Venezuela,” he said during a televised statement. His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Caracas and Washington, following new US sanctions targeting Venezuela’s oil sector and government officials.

Padrino López said the alleged covert activity is part of a broader effort by Washington to destabilize the country and undermine its sovereignty. He vowed that Venezuela’s security forces are “fully alert” and will act to “neutralize any foreign intelligence operations” on national soil. The US has not yet commented on the accusation.