🔗 Share this article US Forces Targeted a 'Large Facility' in Venezuela, Trump Stated Without Offering Specifics. Former President Trump has stated that American forces hit a "significant facility" in Venezuela recently. Yet, the ex-leader did not specify the precise purpose or location of the strike, and there has been no additional comment from his team. Unspecific Comments Offered In a Talk Show "We just eliminated – I'm not sure if you heard – they have a major complex, where the ships originate. Recently, we took it out. So we targeted them decisively," Trump allegedly informed GOP supporter and businessman John Catsimatidis on Friday. Potential Significance of a Verified Strike If a American strike were to be confirmed, it would constitute the first attack on Venezuelan soil since the US Department of Defense began a buildup of American military presence in the region to halt drug traffickers that the former administration claims operate under the direction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This original purpose of the military buildup has transformed into a blockade aimed at hindering the country's oil exports. Online Footage and Administration Claims Trump has for some time indicated that US forces are ready to expand the operations by attacking objectives within Venezuela, a move that would in theory require legislative approval. Video footage posted online on 24 December purportedly showed an blast said to be from an industrial zone in Zulia state. Yet, the video or the site in question has not been corroborated. An official from Trump's team allegedly told a media outlet that the former president was describing a drug facility in his remarks. Reaction and Current Military Posture The Maduro government has remained silent on the incident the former president referenced. Additionally, there have been no corroborating news from within the country about it. The deployment of American forces in the region – a position some have called a naval quarantine – represents the most expansive naval operation of Trump's presidency. Sources have stopped short from calling the action as a full blockade, but have stated that about 15,000 troops are stationed across the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf, including a aircraft carrier group, advanced fighter jets, and law enforcement vessels to enforce current economic sanctions.