Trump says he authorised CIA in Venezuela as Maduro says 'no to regime change'

Trump would not be drawn on whether the CIA was seeking to topple Maduro.

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US forces have already conducted at least five strikes on suspected drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean in recent weeks, killing 27 people. UN-appointed human rights experts have described the raids as "extrajudicial executions".

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the US "is looking at land" as it considers further strikes on drug cartels in the region.

Nicolás Maduro, whose legitimacy as Venezuela's president is internationally contested after disputed elections last year, appealed on TV for peace with the US.

He addressed the "people of the United States", saying "no war, yes peace".