Trump Administration Authorizes Secret CIA Action in Venezuela, Reports Newspaper

Regional Tension: Maduro orders military exercises in Venezuelan communities in response to the presence of US ships in the Caribbean. Crisis: Venezuela offered oil stake to end tensions with the US, says New York Times. The new authorization, described by several American officials on condition of anonymity, would allow the CIA to carry out lethal operations in Venezuela and conduct a series of actions in the Caribbean. This way, the agency could act independently against Maduro or his government, or in coordination with a larger military operation. It is unclear, however, if there are immediate plans or if it is just a preventive measure. Previously, the agency could only cooperate in security and intelligence with regional governments, without being able to carry out direct attacks. The advance also occurs as US military officials develop plans for possible escalation, preparing options for Trump to consider, including attacks within Venezuela.