Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated this Tuesday, December 30, that the United States is disseminating “false news” about his “noble” country, as Washington maintains a military deployment in the Caribbean under the premise of combating drug trafficking allegedly originating from the oil-rich nation.
Report of a Land-Based Strike in Venezuela
Recent weeks have seen escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington following an announcement by President Trump of a blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers. This action preceded the recent seizure of two vessels carrying Venezuelan crude oil.
On December 26, President Trump made statements that further fueled speculation regarding the scope of the military deployment. According to Trump, during an interview with John Catsimatidis on WBAC radio, the U.S. carried out its first land-based strike in Venezuela. Trump stated, “We destroyed it…So we hit them very hard.” He indicated the target was a facility used for shipping narcotics.
While Trump did not specify a location within Venezuela, reports suggest the strike may have targeted the Tren de Aragua criminal organization. He added that the area of operations “no longer exists.”
Neither the Pentagon nor the White House has directly commented on the alleged strike. The Venezuelan government has also not issued a direct statement. However, social media reports have linked the strike to a fire that affected the Primazol chemical plant on December 24.
Primazol, located in the San Francisco industrial zone near Maracaibo, refuted these claims in a statement, attributing the fire to an “electrical accident.”
CNN reported exclusively that the CIA conducted the strike using a drone, targeting a port in Venezuelan territory that was reportedly empty. The New York Times corroborated this account, stating the strike occurred last week and targeted a dock believed to be used by the Tren de Aragua gang for storing and transporting narcotics. Sources indicated no casualties.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that “imperialism” is relentlessly attempting to “fracture” the Armed Forces, asserting, “They will not rest in trying to divide us, fracture us, cut us, segment us and that is practically impossible.”
Maduro also reiterated that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) “shot down” nine aircraft on Monday allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the state of Amazonas, bordering Brazil and Colombia.
Maduro also claimed that U.S. media outlets are censoring the “truth” about Venezuela, urging citizens, “women, in Spanish, in English, in wayúu,” to break this alleged censorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stated reason for the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean?
The U.S. government states the deployment is intended to combat drug trafficking originating from Venezuela.
Did President Trump confirm the location of the alleged strike within Venezuela?
No, President Trump did not specify a location within Venezuela, but indicated the target was a facility used for shipping narcotics.
What is the Venezuelan government’s response to the alleged strike?
The Venezuelan government has not issued a direct comment on the alleged strike, but social media reports have linked it to a fire at the Primazol chemical plant.
Given the current climate of distrust and conflicting narratives, it remains to be seen whether these tensions will escalate further or if diplomatic channels will be pursued. A possible next step could involve further statements from either government clarifying their positions, or a continued reliance on indirect communication through media outlets.
