US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.
The comments represent a new escalation in the political conflict between the US and Venezuela, as the US continues to attack boats in international waters originating from the South American nation.
Trump accused the Venezuelan government of smuggling drugs into the US by sea.
“We’re looking at the land now, because we’ve got the sea under control pretty well,” Trump said in reference to attacks on ships in Caribbean waters. “I think Venezuela is feeling the heat.”
Trump was asked by reporters whether he had given the CIA the authority to “take out” Maduro, but he rejected the notion.
“That’s a ridiculous question to me. It’s not actually a ridiculous question, but wouldn’t it be a ridiculous question for me to answer?” The US President replied.
The Trump administration has already set aside $50 million (€43 million) for information leading to Maduro’s arrest and conviction on drug trafficking charges.
Venezuela accuses America of plotting regime change
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro quickly hit back, condemning Trump in an address.
“No to war in the Caribbean…no to regime change…no to a CIA-organized coup,” the leftist leader said.
The Venezuelan government accused the US of attempting regime change with the ultimate goal of stealing Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
It said it would raise the complaint with the UN Security Council on Thursday.
Edited by: Zack Crellin