US President Donald Trump has confirmed he has authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, adding he is weighing carrying out land operations on the country.

The acknowledgement comes after the US military carried out a series of deadly strikes in recent weeks against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean.

US forces have destroyed at least five boats since early September, killing 27 people, with four of those vessels originating from Venezuela.

US strike on alleged drug boat off Venezuela kills six, Trump says

It is the latest such operation in recent weeks as the US builds up military forces in the region.

Asked during an event in the Oval Office on Wednesday, local time, why he had authorised the CIA to take action in Venezuela, Mr Trump confirmed he

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