Post by : Meena Ariff

President Donald Trump confirmed that a major explosion recently took place at a dock area in Venezuela used for loading boats with drugs. Speaking about the operation, Trump said, "There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs. We hit all the boats, and now we hit the area... it's the implementation area. That's where they implement, and that is no longer around."

Trump did not specify the exact target of the attack or which part of the US government was responsible for carrying it out. When asked if the CIA had conducted the strike, Trump replied, "I don't want to say that. I know exactly who it was but I don't want to say who it was."

According to a report by CNN, which cited unnamed sources, the CIA carried out a drone strike earlier this month on a port facility along Venezuela's coast. The strike targeted a remote dock believed by the US to be used by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to store drugs and load them onto boats for shipment. This operation was part of the ongoing efforts by the US to disrupt drug trafficking routes linked to Venezuela.

Trump has previously stated that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. Last week, on a radio show, Trump made vague remarks about a US operation targeting a "big facility" in Venezuela, but he did not provide further details. The CIA, the White House, and the Pentagon have not publicly elaborated on these comments and declined to comment when approached by Reuters.

The Venezuelan government has yet to comment on the incident described by Trump, and there have been no independent reports from Venezuela confirming the strike. However, rumors spread online linking the attack to a fire at Primazol, a chemical plant in Zulia state that experienced a blaze on Christmas Eve. Primazol denied any connection to the incident Trump referenced, stating that the fire was quickly extinguished and is currently under investigation. Local residents near the plant reported hearing an explosion, seeing the fire, and smelling chlorine.

The Venezuelan communications ministry, responsible for government press relations, did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the strike.

The Trump administration has publicly emphasized its success in targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels, with the Pentagon sharing footage of several such strikes on social media. The lack of official statements from US national security agencies on this recent incident has led to speculation that it was a covert operation, likely restricting officials' ability to discuss it openly.

The US has been increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro. Reuters reported last month that the US was preparing to launch a new phase of Venezuela-related operations, which would begin with covert actions. The mission has primarily focused on military strikes against drug trafficking vessels, resulting in more than 20 strikes in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific and at least 100 deaths.

Earlier this month, US military leaders briefed lawmakers about an incident in September where an American strike killed 11 people. Survivors of the first strike were killed in a second strike ordered by Admiral Frank Bradley. This follow-up strike has been questioned by congressional Democrats regarding its compliance with international law.

In addition to these operations, the Trump administration has overseen a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean, deploying over 15,000 troops in the region to support its objectives against drug trafficking and Maduro’s regime.

#Global News #Donald Trump