WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump confirmed he authorized CIA covert operations inside Venezuela on Wednesday, a highly unusual public acknowledgement.

Trump justified the authorization by citing two primary concerns: that Venezuela is emptying its prisons into the US and the need to halt drug trafficking originating from the nation, primarily by sea, with plans to extend interdiction efforts to land.

The confirmation comes as US military presence increases in the region, leading to at least five strikes on drug boats that killed 27 people.

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro appealed for peace amidst fears in Caracas of a possible attack.