President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, marking a sharp escalation in U.S. efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro’s government.

The New York Times first reported the classified directive, citing U.S. officials familiar with the decision, saying the Trump administration’s Venezuela strategy aims to remove Maduro from power. The administration has offered $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest and conviction on drug trafficking charges.

Trump said he authorized the action because large amounts of drugs were entering the United States from Venezuela, much of it trafficked by sea.

“We are looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” Trump said.

Trump: Venezuela ‘Fee

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