Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has accused the US of a coup attempt after Donald Trump approved CIA operations in the country to tackle alleged drug trafficking.

Sky News report  indicated that Trump confirmed his decision, first revealed by The New York Times, as he said large amounts of drugs were entering the US from Venezuela, much of it trafficked by sea.

When asked why the coastguard wasn’t asked to intercept suspected drug trafficking boats, which has been a longstanding US practice, Trump said the approach had been ineffective.

He declined to answer whether the CIA has the authority to execute Maduro, who denies accusations from Washington that he has connections to drug trafficking and organised crime.

The US has offered a $50m (£37m) reward for information leading to his arrest.