So Wagner Group went rogue just like that? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe there is money to be made on many sides in the midst of the European Union dishing out the Ukrainian reconstruction contracts? Maybe not? Maybe it's all just a conspiracy theory or, maybe not?
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The specific number of recorded incidents in which the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) has influenced the change of a country's leadership through financing rebel groups or private contractors is difficult to determine accurately. The CIA's covert operations and involvement in foreign affairs are often shrouded in secrecy, and complete information on all its activities is not publicly available.
That being said, there have been well-documented instances in which the CIA has been involved in supporting opposition groups or influencing political outcomes in various countries. Some notable examples include:
Iran (1953): The CIA, in collaboration with British intelligence, orchestrated a coup known as Operation Ajax to overthrow Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and restore the Shah to power.
Guatemala (1954): The CIA supported a coup against the democratically elected President Jacobo Arbenz, who was seen as a threat to U.S. interests due to his land reforms and nationalization policies.
Chile (1973): The CIA was involved in covert activities to undermine the government of President Salvador Allende, leading up to the military coup that brought General Augusto Pinochet to power.
Afghanistan (1980s): During the Soviet-Afghan War, the CIA provided funding, training, and weapons to Afghan rebel groups, known as the mujahideen, to resist the Soviet occupation.
These examples highlight instances where the CIA has been linked to influencing leadership changes through support to rebel groups or covert operations. However, it is important to note that the full extent of the CIA's involvement in such activities may not be publicly known or documented.