Donald Trump has refused to say if the CIA has the authority to assassinate Venezuela's president, after approving covert operations in the country to tackle alleged drug trafficking.

The classified decision, first revealed by The New York Times , marks a significant escalation in efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro 's regime.

Mr Trump said large amounts of drugs were entering the US from Venezuela , much of it trafficked by sea.

"We are looking at land now, because we've got the sea very well under control," he said.

When asked why the coastguard wasn't asked to intercept suspected drug trafficking boats, which has been a longstanding US practice, Mr Trump said the approach had been ineffective.

"I think Venezuela is feeling heat," he said.

He declined to answer

See Full Page