August M
A covert US operation inside Venezuela has sharpened already fraught relations between Washington and Caracas, signalling a possible shift in how far the United States is willing to go to counter alleged criminal networks.
The reported action has drawn attention for its strategic implications rather than its immediate impact, as details continue to emerge.
New red line
Earlier this month, US intelligence agencies carried out a drone strike on a port facility along Venezuela’s coastline, according to CNN. The operation is believed to be the first confirmed US military action against a target located inside Venezuelan territory.
The strike risks escalating tensions with President Nicolas Maduro’s government, which has long accused Washington of attempting to undermine its rule through economic and military pressure.
CNN reported that the CIA declined to comment on the operation.
Presidential confirmation
President Donald Trump later appeared to confirm the strike when questioned by reporters about an explosion in Venezuela, according to The Daily Star.
While meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, Trump said: “There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs.”
He added: “They load the boats up with drugs, so we hit all the boats and now we hit the area. It’s the implementation area. There’s where they implement. And that is no longer around.”
Drug route focus
American officials believed the dock was being used by the Tren de Aragua criminal organisation to store and transfer narcotics onto boats destined for international markets, .
The facility was located in an isolated coastal area, and there were no reports of casualties. the site was unoccupied at the time of the strike.
Despite its significance, the incident reportedly attracted little attention when it occurred, including within the United States, the Express reports.
Broader campaign
The strike comes amid a wider US campaign targeting alleged drug trafficking linked to Venezuela. Washington has intercepted or targeted more than 30 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean as part of what it describes as anti-narcotics operations, CNN reported.
Trump has also ordered a blockade of oil tankers subject to US sanctions travelling to and from Venezuela, further intensifying pressure on the Maduro administration.
Before this incident, confirmed US actions linked to Venezuela were limited to suspected trafficking vessels operating in international waters, despite repeated threats from Trump to strike targets inside the country.
Sources: CNN, Daily Star, Express
