President Donald Trump confirmed he has authorized the CIA to conduct secret operations in Venezuela and said a land attack is being considered, after a series of U.S. strikes on boats in Venezuelan waters that have killed 27 people. The New York Times first disclosed the directive, citing officials who said the strategy targets President Nicolás Maduro. Trump has provided no evidence the boats carried drugs. Legal experts questioned the operations’ legality. Maduro urged restraint and denounced coups, while Venezuela accused Washington of seeking regime change; Colombia’s president warned of spillover risks.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.