Trump Gives CIA Green Light Prepares Secret Operations In Venezuela

JAKARTA - United States President Donald Trump authorized the CIA to prepare a covert operation in Venezuela in the White House's efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's administration.

The New York Times, citing a number of briefed sources, reported Trump approved the potential's covert move to prepare the terrain for further action.

The report also said the White House reopened its back diplomacy path with Caracas, where Maduro had hinted at a possible resignation after a transitional period.

In his televised address Monday, Maduro warned US military intervention could mark Trump's "political end".

He accused the people around the US president of provoking armed conflict to politically harm Trump.

Maduro emphasized that Venezuela remains ready for direct dialogue, citing diplomacy as the "invariant" position of his government.

Since early September, the US has launched 21 attacks on ships in the Caribbean Sea and the East Pacific Ocean which are claimed to be smuggling drugs. This US action killed 83 people.