President Donald Trump confirmed he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela and said he is weighing land operations, following recent U.S. strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean that destroyed at least five vessels and killed 27 people, four originating from Venezuela. Trump cited prison releases into the U.S. and drug flows as reasons. Nicolás Maduro condemned CIA 'coups' and urged peace, while Venezuela's Foreign Ministry called Trump's remarks a breach of international law. In Washington, lawmakers objected to escalating actions without authorization, noting the administration has not provided evidence the targeted boats carried narcotics.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.