WASHINGTON – In a surprising development, President Donald Trump revealed that the United States recently targeted a facility in South America as part of its ongoing efforts to exert pressure on Venezuela. However, the specifics surrounding this action remain undisclosed by U.S. officials.
The president made these comments during what appeared to be an unplanned radio interview on Friday. While speaking with radio host John Catsimatidis on WABC radio, Trump touched upon the U.S. military’s operations against suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. These operations have reportedly resulted in at least 105 fatalities across 29 documented strikes since early September.
Trump mentioned, “I don’t know if you read or saw, they have a big plant or a big facility where they send the, you know, where the ships come from. Two nights ago, we knocked that out. So, we hit them very hard.” Despite this bold assertion, Trump refrained from providing further details about the nature of the attack.
When questioned about the incident, the Pentagon deferred inquiries to the White House, which has yet to issue a response. This leaves many questions about what type of military action might have been undertaken.
Historically, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or the U.S. military’s social media channels have been prompt in announcing strikes on vessels through posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). However, no official statement has been made regarding any recent strike on a facility, adding to the mystery surrounding the president’s remarks.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or one of the U.S. military’s social media accounts has in the past typically announced every boat strike in a post on X, but they have not posted any notice of any strike on a facility.
The press office of Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment on Trump’s statement.
Trump for months has suggested he may conduct land strikes in South America, in Venezuela or possibly another country, and in recent weeks has been saying the U.S. would move beyond striking boats and would strike on land “soon.”
In October, Trump confirmed he had authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. The agency did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Monday.
Along with the strikes, the U.S. has sent warships, built up military forces in the region, seized two oil tankers and pursued a third.
The Trump administration has said it is in “armed conflict” with drug cartels and seeking to stop the flow of narcotics into the United States.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has insisted the real purpose of the U.S. military operations is to force him from power.
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said in an interview with Vanity Fair published this month that Trump “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro ‘cries uncle.’”
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Associated Press writers Konstantin Toropin in Washington and Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report.
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