Washington , 16 October (H.S.): United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, a move that sharply escalates U.S. pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Speaking to reporters, President Trump stated that the authorization was a direct response to the significant flow of illicit drugs from Venezuela into the U.S., much of which is trafficked by sea. We are looking at land now, because we've got the sea very well under control, Trump said, dismissing decades of U.S. practice involving the Coast Guard to interdict drug boats as politically correct and ineffective.

While asserting that Venezuela is feeling heat, the President declined to comment on whether the CIA's directive includes the authority to target Maduro directly. The confirmation of the classified directive follows an initial report by The New York Times.

Trump also leveled accusations against the Venezuelan government, claiming it has been releasing large numbers of prisoners, including individuals from mental health facilities, into the United States, though he did not provide specific details on their points of entry.

Representatives for President Maduro's government and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado have not yet issued a response to President Trump's remarks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar