US Forces Targeted a 'Major Complex' in Venezuela, President Trump Stated Without Offering Specifics.
Ex-President Donald Trump has asserted that US military assets hit a "significant facility" in Venezuela in recent days. But, the former president did not specify the precise purpose or location of the strike, and there has been no additional comment from his team.
Unspecific Remarks Offered During a Radio Show
"US forces just destroyed – I don't know if you read – they have a large facility, where the vessels originate. The other night, we took it out. So we struck them decisively," Trump allegedly said to GOP supporter and businessman John Catsimatidis on Friday.
Potential Significance of a Confirmed Attack
Should a US strike were to be confirmed, it would mark the first ground target hit since the US Department of Defense began a expansion of US military presence in the Caribbean region to disrupt drug traffickers that the Trump administration asserts operate under the direction of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
This initial mission of the military buildup has transformed into a blockade aimed at stopping the country's crude oil shipments.
Social Media Video and Official Claims
Trump has for weeks warned that US forces are prepared to escalate the operations by striking objectives within Venezuela, a tactic that would in theory require legislative approval.
A clip circulated online on 24 December appeared to show an blast reportedly from an industrial zone in a Venezuelan state. However, the video or the site in question has not been corroborated.
An administration official reportedly informed a news network that the president was referring to a narco-trafficking site in his remarks.
Reaction and Ongoing Military Situation
The Venezuelan government has remained silent on the alleged strike Trump referenced. Additionally, there have been no corroborating news from Venezuela concerning it.
The buildup of US military in the region – a posture certain officials have termed a naval quarantine – marks the largest naval operation of Trump's presidency.
Administration officials have refrained from calling the action as a full blockade, but have acknowledged that about 15,000 troops are stationed across the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf, including a carrier strike group, advanced fighter jets, and Coast Guard cutters to uphold existing economic sanctions.