Trump confirms CIA covert operations in Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela, which is an unusual public disclosure, according to Euronews.

Speaking at the White House, Trump cited drug trafficking and criminal activity tied to Venezuela as reasons for the measure. «They have emptied their prisons into the United States,» he said, adding, «A lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea.»

Trump added his administration was «looking at land» for further regional action but did not clarify whether the CIA’s mandate included targeting President Nicolás Maduro.

His comments follow a New York Times report that the CIA was authorized to conduct operations in Venezuela. Recently, the U.S. military destroyed several boats in the Caribbean allegedly involved in drug smuggling, with five vessels sunk since early September, four reportedly from Venezuela.

In turn, Maduro criticized Washington, accusing the CIA of fostering instability in Latin America. In a televised address, he said in English, «Not war, yes peace,» and condemned what he called a history of U.S.-backed coups and interventions.