US Launches First Land-Based Attack on Venezuelan Soil amid Heightened Tensions
The US President, Donald Trump, has confirmed the first land-based bombing on the coast of Venezuela, in a significant escalation of his administration's campaign against President Nicolás Maduro's regime. The attack, conducted by the CIA, targeted a port facility believed to be a hub for drug trafficking operations.
Background and Context
In recent months, tensions between the US and Venezuela have been escalating, with the Trump administration doubling down on its pressure campaign against the Maduro regime. This latest incident marks the first confirmed direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the US began strikes in September, according to anonymous sources cited by the South China Morning Post.
The US military has been attempting to intercept vessels heading to Venezuela, such as the Bella 1, which was pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard in the Caribbean Sea. Despite a blockade, at least two oil tankers have reportedly made their way to Venezuela recently, highlighting PDVSA's efforts to expand floating storage and keep selling crude.
Operation Details
The CIA reportedly used drones for the ground attack on the Venezuelan port facility, which is believed to be used by the Tren de Aragua gang for drug storage and distribution. No casualties were reported, and the exact date, time, and location of the attack remain undisclosed.
In an interview, President Trump referred to the targeted location as a big facility,
implying it was a significant operation site for producing trafficking boats. It has been suggested that the US might be signaling an expansion of its campaign to include ground operations.
International Reactions and Implications
The attack has sparked global reactions, with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemning US actions against Venezuela's sovereignty. Meanwhile, new sanctions have been imposed by the US against Iran and Venezuela over alleged drone trade, signaling increasing pressure on Maduro.
The recent escalation raises questions about the next steps in US strategy towards Venezuela. Experts suggest that without military force, merely blocking oil exports may not be sufficient to bring down Maduro.
Current Status
Despite the growing pressure from the US, Maduro continues to hold onto power, and the Venezuelan government has remained silent about the attack. Meanwhile, the US military announced the killing of two alleged drug smugglers in a boat strike in the eastern Pacific, marking the 30th such attack with little verifiable evidence.
The situation in Venezuela remains tense, with citizens seeking normalcy amid a war-like climate. As the year draws to a close, the world watches closely to see whether these new measures will impact Maduro's grip on power.