PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States has conducted strikes on a dock facility in Venezuela as part of a pressure campaign against the country. Details about the operation remain sparse, but Trump confirmed during a radio interview that the U.S. targeted an area used for loading boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
During a radio interview on Friday, Trump claimed, “There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs.” He explained that the U.S. has taken action against both the boats and the loading area, stating, “It’s the implementation area. There’s where they implement. And that is no longer around.” This marked an escalation in the Trump administration's efforts to disrupt drug smuggling operations believed to be destined for the United States.
The U.S. military has been actively engaging in strikes against vessels accused of transporting drugs, especially in international waters in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. A recent operation on Monday resulted in the destruction of a vessel accused of drug trafficking, leading to the deaths of two individuals. Since early September, U.S. military actions have reportedly killed at least 107 people across 30 strikes.
While Trump hinted at the recent dock strike and did not confirm the specific location, he emphasized his knowledge of the details, stating, “I know exactly who it was, but I don’t want to say who it was. But you know it was along the shore.” Trump first mentioned the strike during a call to WABC radio's John Catsimatidis, explaining that operations targeted a significant facility used in drug trafficking.
The Pentagon has usually communicated details about such military strikes through social media, but no announcements have been made regarding the reported dock facility attack. Consequently, inquiries directed to the Pentagon have been referred to the White House. However, the White House's response has been delayed, and the Venezuelan government has not commented on Trump’s claims.
In the context of broader military strategy, Trump has suggested for months the potential for land strikes within Venezuela or nearby countries, expressing that the U.S. would transition from targeting boats to conducting strikes on land “soon.” In October, Trump acknowledged having authorized the CIA to undertake covert operations in Venezuela, although the agency has not commented on the latest developments.
In addition to military strikes, the U.S. has increased its naval presence in the region, seized two oil tankers, and pursued a third. The Trump administration maintains that it is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels aiming to curtail the narcotics flow into the U.S. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has characterized these military actions as a pretext to undermine his government.
Further comments from White House chief of staff Susie Wiles indicated that Trump’s intention is to escalate military actions until Maduro capitulates, describing the administration's resolve to continue strikes until desired outcomes are achieved.
The ongoing situation reflects escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly focusing on issues related to drug trafficking, military engagement, and geopolitical maneuvers in the region. The international community watches closely as the Trump administration intensifies its actions against what it defines as significant threats to both U.S. interests and regional stability.
