Trump confirms reports that CIA has authorization to operate in Venezuela

(Patria) - U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed reports that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, marking a sharp escalation in U.S. efforts to pressure the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.

The New York Times first reported on the confidential directive, citing U.S. officials familiar with the decision.

Trump said he approved the action for two main reasons.

First, he claims that Venezuela is releasing a large number of prisoners, including individuals from mental health institutions, into the United States, often crossing the border due to what he described as an open-border policy. Trump did not specify which border they are crossing.

The second reason, he said, was the large amount of drugs entering the United States from Venezuela, most of which are smuggled by sea.

"I think Venezuela is feeling the pressure..." Trump added, but he declined to answer whether the CIA has authorization to kill Maduro.