The United States is set to launch a new phase of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, four U.S. officials told Reuters, as the Trump administration steps up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Caracas

The United States is preparing to initiate a new phase of operations related to Venezuela, according to four U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters under anonymity. This move follows months of military buildup in the Caribbean and authorization of covert CIA operations by President Donald Trump, as the administration seeks to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Officials indicate that options under consideration include efforts to combat alleged drug trafficking by Maduro's government, with the possibility of attempting to overthrow him. Maduro denies involvement in the drug trade and claims U.S. actions are aimed at seizing Venezuela's oil. The exact timing and scope of the operations remain unconfirmed, and several agencies have declined to comment. Additionally, three international airlines have canceled flights from Venezuela following a warning from the FAA about potential hazards.

U.S. to launch new phase of Venezuela operations, sources say

The U.S. is poised to launch a new phase of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, as the Trump administration escalates pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government. That's according to four U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the action. A military buildup in the Caribbean has been underway for months, and U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela. The U.S. government has been weighing Venezuela-related options to combat what it has portrayed as Maduro's role in supplying illegal drugs that have killed Americans. Two U.S. officials said that options under consideration included attempting to overthrow Maduro. Maduro, in power since 2013, has denied having any links to the illegal drug trade. He has contended that Trump seeks to oust him and that Venezuelan citizens and the military will resist any such attempt. Maduro has also characterized U.S. actions as an effort to take control of Venezuela's oil. Reuters was not able to establish the exact timing or scope of the new operations, nor whether Trump had made a final decision to act. The Venezuelan Communications Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Pentagon referred questions to the White House. The CIA declined to comment. Meanwhile, three international airlines on Saturday canceled flights from Venezuela after the FAA warned of a quote, potentially hazardous situation.

After running a day overtime, delegates at COP30, the United Nations climate summit in Belém, Brazil, finally reached a deal on a final agreement, but one that falls well short of the high expectations held by many delegates, environmental groups and NGOs.

Belém

COP30 climate deal falls short of expectations

Washington signaled room for negotiation on a 28-point plan to end the Ukraine war, denying claims by some U.S. senators that it is a Russian "wish list," as Kyiv and European allies criticized the proposal ahead of Sunday talks in Geneva.

Geneva

Ukraine Invasion

Europeans push for stronger deal for Ukraine as Geneva talks continue

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Johannesburg

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U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a once-loyal supporter of Donald Trump who has since become a critic of the president, said she is resigning from Congress in January. Greene's resignation followed a public fallout with Trump over the Epstein files.

Washington

Trump loyalist-turned-critic Marjorie Taylor Greene resigns

The Coast Guard said it conducted its largest cocaine seizure in history worth an estimated $362 million. Take an inside look as officials offload the nearly 50,000 pounds of drugs.

Coast Guard announces largest cocaine seizure in agency history

U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff are due to arrive in Geneva on Sunday to push for President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Ukraine. European and Ukrainian officials will take part in the talks.

Kyiv

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Soweto

Leaders adopt declaration at Africa's first G20 summit

Federal police have detained Brazil’s ex-president Jair Bolsonaro after a Supreme Court judge deemed the far-right firebrand a "high flight risk." The arrest comes just days before Bolsonaro is due to begin a 27-year prison term for leading a botched coup attempt.

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil ex-president Bolsonaro arrested due to "flight risk"

Pope Leo XIV met with some of the rescued Ukrainian children who were kidnapped by Russian forces throughout the war as the Vatican ramps up its efforts to get all of the nearly 20,000 abducted kids home to Ukraine.

Rome

Pope Leo XIV meets with rescued Ukrainian children

U.S. President Donald Trump and New York City's incoming progressive mayor Zohran Mamdani were all smiles at a White House meeting, promising to set aside months of bitter feuding and cooperate on the city's future.

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Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is resigning from Congress early next year after a weekslong falling out with President Trump and much of her party.

Marjorie Taylor Greene resigning from Congress after Trump fallout

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A powerful earthquake has struck Bangladesh outside the densely populated capital of Dhaka, killing at least five people and injuring about 100, according to the government.

Dhaka

At least five killed as magnitude 5.5 earthquake hits Bangladesh

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Bangkok

Miss Mexico crowned Miss Universe 2025

According to UNICEF, more than 400 million children globally live in poverty, missing out on at least two daily needs such as nutrition and sanitation.

UNICEF: More than 400 million children globally live in poverty

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Trump approved 28-point plan to end Russia-Ukraine war

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All 267 people on board a South Korean passenger ferry that ran aground off the southwestern tip of the Korean peninsula on Wednesday (November 19) have been rescued, in an incident that revived memories of the major ferry disaster in 2014 in which 300 people died.

Mokpo-si

Ferry runs aground off South Korea, crew negligence suspected

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the bill that forces the Justice Department to release the files from its investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The bill was passed by the U.S. House and Senate on Tuesday.

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Harvard University is opening a new inquiry into faculty connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Cam Srivastava, college administration reporter for The Harvard Crimson, joins CBS News with more.

Cambridge

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U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized a plan for the CIA in Venezuela, according to a New York Times report. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata has more details.

Trump authorizes plans for CIA covert operation in Venezuela: report

An Israeli strike on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon killed 13 people and wounded several others, the Lebanese Health Ministry said Wednesday. The Israeli military said it struck Hamas militants who it said were operating in a training compound there.

Beirut

Middle East Conflict

Israeli strike on Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon kills 13

The Epstein files bill is expected to reach President Donald Trump's desk for his signature on Wednesday (November 19). CBS News' Taurean Small reports.

Breakdown