The CIA conducted a drone strike targeting a port facility on the coast of Venezuela earlier this month, according to reports. This marks the first confirmed American attack on a location within Venezuela. US President Donald Trump seemingly acknowledged the strike during an impromptu radio discussion on Friday.
When questioned by reporters on Monday about an explosion in Venezuela, Trump confirmed that the US had targeted a site where suspected drug trafficking vessels were being loaded. The strike focused on an isolated dock on Venezuela’s shoreline, which American intelligence revealed was being used by the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua for storing and transporting narcotics for international distribution.
No casualties have been reported, as officials believe the site was unoccupied at the time of the strike. The operation drew minimal attention both domestically and internationally. This strike could escalate tensions between Washington and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, as the US continues to pressure Maduro to step down through military actions.
As part of an anti-drug operation, the US has targeted more than 30 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Additionally, Trump has imposed a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. While Trump has frequently threatened to launch attacks in Venezuela, prior to this recent CIA operation, the only confirmed US strikes on Venezuelan targets were against alleged drug trafficking vessels in international waters.
CNN reported that the CIA declined to provide any comments regarding the operation.