United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he has authorised the CIA to carry out secret operations in Venezuela.

The New York Times first disclosed the directive, quoting US officials who privately said the administration’s strategy is focused on removing President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Trump also said his administration was mulling a land attack on Venezuela, amid sharply escalating tensions after multiple US strikes on Venezuelan boats in the Caribbean Sea in recent weeks and a troop buildup in those waters ordered by the US president.

Maduro appeared on national television Wednesday night, urging restraint and caution against any further escalation.

“No to regime change that reminds us of the failed wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya… No to coups d’état c

See Full Page