The CIA reportedly carried out a covert drone strike this month on a Venezuelan coastal facility believed to be used by the Tren de Aragua gang to store and ship narcotics. CNN, citing unnamed sources, said the site was empty and there were no casualties, and that U.S. Special Operations Forces provided intelligence support. President Trump confirmed striking a "big facility" but gave few details, while critics warned the actions could signal escalation and questioned the strategy.
Report: CIA Carried Out Covert Drone Strike Inside Venezuela — First Known U.S. Strike on Venezuelan Soil
U.S. intelligence forces reportedly conducted a covert drone strike inside Venezuela this month, targeting a coastal port facility allegedly used by the criminal gang Tren de Aragua to store narcotics and load them onto boats for shipment to other countries, including the United States.
CNN, citing unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the operation, reported that the CIA carried out the strike and that the site was unoccupied at the time — meaning there were no reported casualties. The network also said that U.S. Special Operations Forces provided intelligence support for the mission.
Officials and analysts say this appears to be the first acknowledged strike by the Trump administration on Venezuelan territory. President Donald Trump told reporters last week that his team had neutralized a "big facility" in Venezuela but offered few operational details.
“They have a big plant or a big facility where the ships come from,” the president said in an interview. “Two nights ago, we knocked that out.”
The report comes amid broader U.S. actions aimed at disrupting drug trafficking from Venezuelan waters. Over the past year, U.S. forces have repeatedly used drones against vessels the government said were smuggling drugs toward the United States — operations U.S. officials say have resulted in more than 80 deaths.
Separately, the U.S. military recently seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, and the president ordered what he termed a "COMPLETE BLOCKADE" to prevent such vessels from entering or leaving Venezuelan ports. Those actions have drawn criticism from some allies and advisers.
Critics question the strategic focus and warn of potential escalation. Activist Laura Loomer noted that the majority of illicit drugs entering the U.S. originate from Mexico and questioned why attention is concentrated on Venezuela. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) cautioned that maritime strikes could be a "prelude" to broader military action against Venezuela.
This remains a developing story. CNN's reporting is based on unnamed sources; U.S. officials have not publicly released detailed operational confirmations beyond the president's statement.
