Trump Confirms Authorization of CIA Covert Operations in Venezuela to Combat Drug Trafficking

Former US President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged that he authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations within Venezuela, representing a significant intensification of US pressure tactics against President Nicolas Maduro's administration.

The acknowledgment came on Wednesday, confirming earlier reports published by The New York Times, which cited unnamed US officials familiar with the classified directive.

When explaining his decision, Trump cited concerns about substantial drug trafficking from Venezuela into the United States, particularly via maritime routes. "We are looking at land now, because we've got the sea very well under control," Trump stated.

When questioned about why traditional Coast Guard interdiction methods were not utilized instead, Trump dismissed such approaches as "politically correct" and ineffective. He suggested that Venezuela was now "feeling heat" from these covert measures, though he declined to answer a question regarding whether the CIA had been authorized to target Maduro directly.

Trump further alleged that Venezuela was releasing numerous prisoners, including individuals from mental health facilities, into the United States, though he did not specify which border these individuals were allegedly crossing.

Representatives from Maduro's Information Ministry and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Trump's statements.