News|US-Venezuela TensionsUS claims attack on dock in Venezuela, as missiles also kill two in PacificUS hit an area in Venezuela where boats are loaded with drugs, Trump says, as Pentagon carries out another deadly strike in the Pacific.
On Mon, the United States announced a strike on a dock in Venezuela, reportedly used for drug trafficking activities. This marks the first known US land strike in the country since the commencement of its pressure campaign four months ago.
On Mon, the United States announced a strike on a dock in Venezuela, reportedly used for drug trafficking activities. This marks the first known US land strike in the country since the commencement of its pressure campaign four months ago.
The U.S. military conducted an additional operation targeting a suspected drug vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals.
The strike in Venezuela was confirmed by President Trump during a press briefing in Florida. The targeted area was allegedly used for loading boats with drugs. The President did not specify which branch of the US forces executed the operation.
Despite these developments, there has been no immediate response from Venezuelan authorities, and independent reports from the country regarding the US attack are unavailable.
This action is part of the ongoing pressure campaign by the Trump administration against Venezuela, aimed at disrupting drug-smuggling operations intended for the United States.
On Mon, the United States announced a strike on a dock in Venezuela, reportedly used for drug trafficking activities.
Caracas denies involvement in drug trafficking and claims that the US aims to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro to control Venezuela's significant oil reserves.
The recent US action suggests a strategic shift towards shore-based operations, following a series of maritime military actions in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean.
The operations, resulting in 107 fatalities from 30 strikes since September, have been criticized by some as potential extrajudicial actions under international law. The latest strike victims were described by the US Southern Command as participants in "narco-trafficking operations."
Currently, there is a substantial US military presence in the area, including over 15,000 troops and the enforcement of a blockade on sanctioned vessels entering and leaving Venezuela.
President Trump has indicated a potential expansion of US operations to include land strikes in South America, particularly Venezuela. This aligns with his authorization of CIA covert operations in the region, although the agency has not commented on these activities.
The White House’s chief of staff has expressed the administration's resolve to continue operations until there is a significant policy change from Venezuela.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.