WASHINGTON, United States—President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States is evaluating the possibility of launching land-based strikes against Venezuelan cartels, following a series of deadly maritime operations targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that while maritime operations are under control, land strikes are now under consideration. However, he refrained from confirming a New York Times report suggesting he had secretly authorized the CIA to conduct covert actions in Venezuela against President Nicolas Maduro’s administration. When questioned about authorizing the CIA to target Maduro, Trump dismissed the inquiry as ‘ridiculous’ to answer. The announcement comes after Trump revealed that a recent strike on suspected drug-carrying boats resulted in the deaths of six ‘narcoterrorists.’ Since the operations began, at least 27 individuals have been killed, raising concerns among experts about the legality of using lethal force in foreign or international waters without prior interception or questioning. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has also expressed concerns, stating that some of the deceased may have been Colombian nationals.