Donald Trump confirmed he authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela, a step he said responds to prisoner releases into the United States and drug trafficking by sea. He declined to say whether the agency has authority to execute President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro accused Washington of orchestrating coups and decried potential strikes on Venezuelan cartels; U.S. warships were deployed to the Caribbean for what Washington called an anti-drug operation. At least 27 people have been killed in the U.S. Caribbean attacks. Maduro ordered military exercises and mobilization as Washington doubled bounty for information leading to his capture to $50 million.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.