In a dramatic revelation, President Donald Trump has disclosed a targeted US operation against an alleged drug trafficking facility in Venezuela, signaling a new phase in the ongoing pressure campaign against the Maduro government.

According to Trump's recent statements, the US conducted a strike on a strategic "dock area" where drug boats are reportedly loaded, though specific details remain limited. CNN and the New York Times, citing unnamed sources, suggest the operation was a CIA-led drone strike - which, if confirmed, would represent the first known US military action inside Venezuelan territory.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro provided additional context, indicating the target was a cocaine production facility in Maracaibo controlled by the ELN guerrilla group. Trump himself was characteristically cryptic, telling reporters, "I know exactly who it was, but I don't want to say who it was," while hinting at a broader strategic approach to disrupting drug trafficking networks.

This latest action follows an intensifying US campaign against suspected drug smuggling, which has already included 30 strikes on maritime vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean since September. These previous operations reportedly resulted in over 100 fatalities, though the US has not publicly presented comprehensive evidence substantiating all drug trafficking allegations.

The Trump administration has consistently characterized these actions as counter-terrorism efforts, designating the Maduro government as a "Foreign Terrorist Organisation" and accusing Venezuelan leadership of using oil revenues to fund illicit activities. However, counter-narcotics experts note that Venezuela primarily functions as a transit country in global drug trafficking, and that fentanyl - a primary concern - is predominantly produced in Mexico.

Military strategists point out that the strike represents a significant diplomatic escalation. Beyond maritime interdiction, the US has simultaneously deployed substantial military assets to the Caribbean and implemented a naval blockade targeting sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers.

While Venezuelan state media has not commented on the alleged strike, international observers are closely monitoring the potential implications for regional stability and US-Venezuela relations. The operation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding drug interdiction efforts and the ongoing tensions between the two nations.

As details continue to emerge, the international community awaits further clarification about the precise nature, location, and outcomes of this unprecedented military action.