Venezuelans are waking up to unsettling reports of a suspected U.S. military strike along their border with Colombia. In mid-December, residents near the Gulf of Venezuela heard a massive explosion, followed by dark smoke plumes rising from the sea. What washed ashore days later painted a grim picture: a burned 30-meter vessel, two bodies, charred fuel drums, and packages hinting at marijuana.
Footage circulating on social media, along with twisted metal fragments found on both sides of the border, points to high-tech weaponry. Experts suggest the debris matches components of U.S.-made Hellfire missiles, often launched from drones or attack helicopters. These details seem to back up President Trump’s recent statement acknowledging the destruction of a “dock area” used by suspected drug traffickers in Venezuela. He called it a “big explosion” but kept specific details vague.
This suspected strike is part of “Operation Southern Spear,” a larger U.S. campaign targeting drug trafficking networks across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. While the U.S. claims success in destroying dozens of vessels and neutralizing traffickers, this particular incident would mark the first known U.S. hit on a land-based target inside Venezuela.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denied any attacks occurred, insisting his country’s defense systems protect its territory. He’s also offered to discuss anti-drug agreements with Washington, while both Venezuela and Colombia condemn the U.S. operations as unlawful. The UN has even voiced concerns about potential violations of international law.
Meanwhile, a large U.S. Navy presence, including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, is operating near Venezuela’s coast. U.S. officials state their goal is to dismantle major drug cartels, including one they accuse Maduro’s regime of running – an accusation Caracas vehemently denies. The situation remains tense and rapidly evolving.
