US Authorizes CIA to Conduct Covert Operations in Venezuela, Trump Weighs Land Strikes

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, citing concerns over the country's prisons emptying into the US and the flow of drugs into the US through the sea. The announcement comes after a series of deadly strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean, resulting in the destruction of at least five boats and the deaths of 27 people.

Key Takeaways:

• The US has carried out a series of deadly strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean, resulting in the destruction of at least five boats and the deaths of 27 people.
• Four of the destroyed boats originated from Venezuela, highlighting concerns over the country's role in the illegal drug trade.
• Trump authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela due to concerns over the country's prisons emptying into the US and the flow of drugs into the country through the sea.
• The administration is also considering further strikes in the region, including land operations against Venezuela.
• Venezuela's foreign ministry has rejected Trump's comments, calling them "bellicose and extravagant statements" that violate international law.
• Maduro, the Venezuelan president, has lashed out at the US after Trump's comments, saying that Latin America does not want or need US involvement.

Statistics:

• At least 5 boats have been destroyed in the recent strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats.
• 27 people have been killed in the strikes since early September.
• 4 of the destroyed boats originated from Venezuela.
• The US has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.

Sources:

• President Donald Trump's comments in the Oval Office, [no date provided]
• Venezuela's foreign ministry statement, [no date provided]
• Maduro's statement, [no date provided]