Trump Announces US Strike in Venezuela
On Monday, President Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces had conducted an operation in Venezuelan territory, marking what he referred to as the first ground attack in a growing conflict related to suspected narcoterrorism.
While speaking to reporters at the White House, prior to a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said this latest strike was aimed at a pier used for loading boats involved in drug trafficking.
“Two nights ago, we struck hard. We really hit them,” Trump commented.
He added that there was a significant explosion in the same pier area, claiming that the U.S. targeted boats there. “That’s the implementation area. It doesn’t exist anymore,” he asserted.
When asked about possible additional strikes within Venezuela, Trump chose not to elaborate.
The Pentagon did not confirm specifics and redirected inquiries to the White House.
In a radio interview, Trump elaborated that the attack occurred two nights prior, focusing on a significant shipping facility. “They have big factories, and they send ships to wherever. Two nights ago, we struck hard,” he reiterated.
This operation represents the first direct U.S. assault on Venezuelan soil amid the ongoing conflict. The Trump administration has previously authorized attacks on vessels believed to be operated by narco-terrorist organizations smuggling drugs into the United States.
However, critics have raised doubts about these government claims, with human rights organizations warning that such airstrikes may amount to war crimes, which the administration denies.
Tensions escalated after the U.S. seized a Venezuelan oil tanker that officials claimed violated embargo regulations. Following this, Trump ordered a full blockade of tankers traveling to and from Venezuela.
In response to U.S. actions, Venezuelan authorities announced military exercises aimed at preparing for a potential invasion intended to oust President Nicolás Maduro.
Previously, Trump mentioned that military action might be necessary to reclaim oil interests nationalized by Venezuela’s socialist regime decades ago. “They took our oil and brought in many of the worst individuals from prison,” Trump noted in a WABC interview.
