Trump authorized Pentagon land strikes in Venezuela before operation

U.S. President Donald J. Trump authorized the Pentagon to conduct land strikes in Venezuela just days before the operation took place, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News. The discussions regarding the mission included plans to execute it on Christmas Day. However, airstrikes targeting ISIS positions in Nigeria took precedence over the Venezuela operation.

This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, which has seen various military actions and political maneuvers in recent years. The Venezuelan government has condemned U.S. military attacks and declared a state of external commotion in response to such operations.

For more information on related events, see our coverage of the state of emergency declared by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the Venezuelan government"s condemnation of U.S. military actions.