Washington, Dec 29 (EFE).- The United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) conducted a drone strike on a port facility in Venezuela last week, marking the first known U.S. operation within the countryS borders, according to a report from the New York Times on Monday. This covert action raises questions about the escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Escalating Pressure on Maduro Regime
The operation targeted a dock believed to be used by the transnational gang Tren de Aragua for storing narcotics and preparing them for transport by boat.
- The CIA carried out the drone attack on a Venezuelan port facility.
- U.S. officials suspect the port was used by the Tren de Aragua gang for drug trafficking.
- President Trump confirmed U.S. involvement but provided limited details.
- The operation represents a potential shift in the trump administration’s strategy toward Venezuela.
Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, reported that no individuals were present in the area at the time of the strike and no casualties were reported. President Donald Trump acknowledged U.S. responsibility for the attack on Monday, but refrained from disclosing specifics regarding it’s execution or those involved.
“There was a big explosion in the dock area where they load drugs onto the boats,” the Republican president told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
The Venezuelan government has not issued a direct statement regarding the operation. However, interior Minister Diosdado Cabello condemned a series of actions characterized as “harassment, threats and attacks.”
The New york Times reported that this operation signifies an intensification of the Trump administration’s pressure campaign against the government of Nicolás Maduro. Previously, U.S. efforts had been confined to actions in international waters targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
The Pentagon has deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones to the region as part of this broader strategy, the newspaper added. For weeks, Trump has warned that, as part of his campaign against the Maduro administration-which has included the destruction of thirty boats allegedly used for drug transport and the deaths of over 100 individuals-Washington would begin targeting locations on land.
Since mid-year, the United States has maintained a significant air and naval presence in the Caribbean Sea, near Venezuelan waters. U.S. officials state this deployment is intended to combat drug trafficking, while Caracas views it as a threat and a potential attempt to instigate a change in regime.
Tensions further escalated following Trump’s announcement of a blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from the South American nation, and the seizure of two ships carrying Venezuelan crude oil in recent weeks.
Clarification of Changes & Answers to Questions:
* Why: the U.S.conducted the drone strike as part of an escalating pressure campaign against the Maduro regime in Venezuela, specifically targeting a port facility suspected of being used by the Tren de Aragua gang for drug trafficking.
* Who: The U.S.Central Intelligence Agency (
