Donald Trump said the United States struck a dock area tied to alleged Venezuelan drug boats. He claimed a major explosion destroyed a site where drugs were loaded onto vessels.
However, Trump did not share the location or specific timing of the strike. Venezuela has not responded to his remarks.
Reports Point to CIA Drone Strike
US media outlets, including CNN, the New York Times and BanerClub, reported that a CIA drone caused the explosion. They cited sources familiar with the operation.
If confirmed, the strike would mark the first known US attack inside Venezuela. So far, no official US agency has confirmed the reports.
Trump Offers Few Details
When reporters asked Trump if the CIA carried out the attack, he avoided a direct answer. He said he knew who was responsible but chose not to say.
Earlier this month, Trump also mentioned a strike on a large facility during a radio interview. Again, he provided very little detail.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan state media has reported no explosions. Social media speculation continues, but no verified evidence has surfaced.
Pressure Campaign Against Maduro
A strike on Venezuelan land would signal a sharp increase in pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The US has accused him of leading a drug-linked criminal network, an accusation he strongly denies.
Trump has previously threatened stronger action, including covert operations and possible land strikes.
US Focus on Drug Boats
Since September, the US says it has carried out thirty strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats. These operations took place in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
According to US officials, more than one hundred people have died. Still, Washington has not provided proof that the targeted boats carried drugs.
On Monday, the US Southern Command said it killed two suspected traffickers in the eastern Pacific. As in earlier cases, officials did not release evidence or confirm identities.
Questions Over Drug Claims
US officials argue that the strikes stop fentanyl and cocaine from reaching America. However, fentanyl mainly comes from Mexico and enters the US by land.
Experts also say Venezuela plays a limited role in global drug trafficking. Most drugs only pass through the country rather than originate there.
Wider US Military Actions
In addition to air and sea strikes, the US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean. It has also ordered a naval blockade on sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela.
US forces recently seized two oil tankers and chased a third. The Maduro government called these actions piracy.
Maduro has long accused Washington of using drug enforcement as a cover to remove him from power. He also claims the US wants control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.
When asked if the seizures aimed to push Maduro out, Trump suggested it might happen. He said the decision now rests with Maduro.
