April 1, 2002: CIA Report Says Venezuelan Military Still Planning a Coup against President Chavez

A CIA Senior Executive Intelligence Brief reports: “President Chavez is facing continued strong opposition from the private sector, the media, the Catholic Church, and opposition political parties angered by a host of laws he decreed in December. Reporting suggests that disgruntled officers within the military are still planning a coup, possibly early this month. An attempted coup would risk considerable violence and a severe crackdown by Chavez on any domestic opposition.” [Central Intelligence Agency, 4/1/2002]