— 🇺🇸/🇻🇪 NEW: The Trump administration has authorized the C.I.A. to carry out 'lethal operations' in Venezuela and conduct various operations in the Caribbean aimed at regime change, according to the New York Times

The C.I.A. would be able to take covert action against President Maduro or his government either unilaterally or 'in conjunction with a larger military operation.'

This follows President Nicolás Maduro's refusal to comply with U.S. demands to 'give up power voluntarily.'

@Middle_East_Spectator