US President Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has confirmed a report he authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, and said he was considering strikes targeting drug cartels there.
US forces have already conducted at least five strikes on suspected drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean in recent weeks, killing 27 people.
UN appointed human rights experts have described the raids as extrajudicial executions.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the US is looking at land as it considers further strikes in the region.
Trump has sought to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, who the US and others do not recognise as Venezuela's rightful leader following disputed elections.
The increased US military presence in the region has raised fears and Caracas of a possible attack.
According to The New York Times, Trump's authorisation would allow the CIA to carry out operations in Venezuela unilaterally or as part of any wider US military activity.
It remains unknown whether the CIA is planning operations in Venezuela or whether those plans are being kept as contingencies.
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