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U.S. President Donald Trump has allegedly approved covert military authority for the CIA to carry out operations in Venezuela, according to a report by the New York Times citing individuals familiar with the matter.
The report said Trump recently signed off on additional measures to prepare for a possible military move against Venezuela amid heightened tensions.
According to the claims, Trump authorized the CIA to conduct a secret military operation targeting the country.
The Times also reported that Trump approved a new informal negotiation round with Caracas, during which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro allegedly signaled he might consider stepping down.
Maduro was also said to have agreed to allow U.S. energy companies access to Venezuela’s oil resources.
Sources told the newspaper it remained unclear which outcome Trump prefers as the talks continue.
Trump suggested on Nov. 17 that communication was underway, stating, “We’ll see how it turns out, they want to talk.”
Previously, Trump signed an executive order allowing expanded U.S. military action against Latin American drug cartels.
In late August, the U.S. deployed a naval force, including submarines and warships, to waters off Venezuela.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the time that U.S. forces were prepared for operations in Venezuela, including potential regime change.
In response, Maduro announced the mobilization of 4.5 million militia members, saying the country was ready to repel any attack.
U.S. actions targeting boats near Venezuela on drug trafficking grounds have drawn criticism from both Caracas and the international community, with opponents arguing the strikes violate international law.
The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, and its strike group to the Latin America region was also noted as part of ongoing operations.
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