US President Donald Trump has announced that American forces have destroyed a significant facility in Venezuela, marking the first known land strike by the US within the country. The president initially disclosed the military action in a radio interview on Friday, stating that the US had targeted a “big plant or big facility” where ships were being loaded.
On Monday, Trump provided additional details, describing the target as an “implementation” area allegedly linked to drug trafficking. He claimed that a major explosion occurred in the dock area where boats were being loaded with drugs. However, the location of the facility, the method of the attack, and potential casualties remain unclear.
The US Pentagon and Southern Command have declined to comment, referring questions to the White House, which has not yet issued a statement. Trump has previously hinted at potential land strikes in Venezuela and has authorized covert CIA operations in the country as part of a broader effort to pressure President Nicolas Maduro. The US president refused to clarify whether the CIA was involved in the latest strike.
The alleged attack follows months of escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela, including US military strikes against at least 30 alleged drug trafficking boats since early September, resulting in at least 107 deaths. The US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, with 15,000 troops and several warships positioned in the region.
The US has also seized several tankers transporting Venezuelan oil in international waters, citing violations of Washington’s unilateral sanctions. The Venezuelan government has denounced these seizures as “piracy” and accused the US of attempting to gain control of the country’s oil reserves. The Venezuelan government has yet to publicly acknowledge the alleged attack, having repeatedly denied accusations of drug trafficking and claimed that these allegations are being made to justify a regime-change operation.
The significance of this development lies in its potential to further escalate tensions between the US and Venezuela. The international community will likely be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and what implications it may have for regional stability. As the US continues to maintain a strong military presence in the Caribbean, the situation remains volatile, with potential for further conflict or diplomacy.
