Donald Trump has claimed that the United States carried out a strike on a dock facility allegedly used by Venezuelan drug traffickers to load narcotics onto boats.
Speaking to reporters, the US president said a “major explosion” had hit a location where drugs were prepared for maritime transport, though he did not disclose the exact site or provide operational details. Venezuelan authorities have not yet issued an official response.
According to reports by CNN and The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the matter, the explosion was caused by a drone strike conducted by the CIA. If confirmed, this would represent the first publicly known US operation carried out inside Venezuelan territory.
Since September, Washington has intensified military actions against what it describes as drug-smuggling networks operating by sea. US officials say more than 20 vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean have been targeted, with at least 100 people killed during these operations.
The most recent strike took place on Monday, when US Southern Command announced via social media that two alleged “narco-terrorists” were killed in a “lethal kinetic strike” in the eastern Pacific.
Trump has previously threatened to authorize land-based strikes in Venezuela and has acknowledged approving covert CIA activities as part of a broader pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro. When asked directly whether the CIA was behind the dock strike, Trump declined to confirm it, saying only that he knew who was responsible.
“We hit all the boats, and now we hit the area… the implementation area,” Trump said, adding that the site was no longer operational.
The president had already alluded to the incident last week during a radio interview, where he mentioned a US operation against a “large facility” without providing further explanation.
The Pentagon has redirected media inquiries to the White House, which has so far declined to comment. Unlike previous strikes on alleged drug vessels, for which the Pentagon released images and video footage, no visual evidence of the dock strike has been made public.
The Trump administration frames its maritime campaign as part of the fight against “narco-terrorism,” accusing traffickers of attempting to move fentanyl and cocaine into the US by sea. To support this effort, Washington has deployed around 15,000 troops to the Caribbean, along with aircraft carriers, destroyers and amphibious assault ships.
US officials say the objective of the deployment—its largest in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama—is to disrupt drug trafficking routes. Among the vessels involved is the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, from which helicopters reportedly launched before US forces seized an oil tanker off Venezuela on 10 December.
Washington has accused Caracas of using oil revenues to finance drug-related crime, a claim Venezuela strongly rejects. The Maduro government has denounced the seizures as acts of “piracy” and insists that the US is using its anti-drug campaign as a pretext to undermine the government and gain access to the country’s oil resources.
Asked whether the seizures were intended to push Maduro from power, Trump suggested that such an outcome was possible, adding that the decision ultimately rested with the Venezuelan leader.
About the author
France urges citizens to leave Mali fast
France has called on its nationals to leave Mali without delay following a surge in coordinated attacks involving separatist fighters and Islamist militants. In an updated advisory, the French government warned that the security situation has become “extremely volatile” and urged citizens to avoid all travel to the country. Those still in Mali have been advised to depart using available commercial flights while limiting movement and following local authorities’ instructions. The warning comes after a wave of violence over the weekend, with explosions and gunfire reported in several areas, including the capital, Bamako. In the town of Kati, Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed in a suicide attack, while in the north, separatist forces seized control of Kidal. Despite the escalation, Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta stated that the situation remains under control. He said the army had inflicted […]
US court limits race use in voting maps
The US Supreme Court has issued a major ruling that limits how lawmakers can use race when drawing electoral districts, a decision likely to influence political dynamics across the southern United States. In a 6–3 judgment, the court’s conservative majority backed a legal challenge against newly drawn voting maps in Louisiana. These maps had been created to comply with protections under the Voting Rights Act, which aims to prevent racial discrimination in elections. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito argued that past interpretations of the law had, in some cases, pushed states toward race-based decisions that conflict with constitutional principles. The plaintiffs—primarily white voters—contended that factoring race into district boundaries violated equal protection guarantees. While the court stopped short of declaring the Voting Rights Act provision unconstitutional, it introduced a stricter standard for future cases. Individuals challenging electoral maps […]
King Charles visit tests UK-US ties
The official visit of King Charles III to the United States delivered polished speeches, warm gestures and carefully staged ceremonies. But beyond the symbolism, a key question remains: will this diplomatic moment lead to tangible political progress? Ahead of the visit, British officials were realistic about its limits. Deep disagreements between London and Washington—ranging from trade and NATO commitments to Ukraine and Iran—were not expected to disappear overnight. Tensions had also been fuelled by past remarks from Donald Trump directed at UK leadership. Rather than aiming for a reset, diplomats saw the visit as an opportunity to ease tensions and improve dialogue. Former UK ambassador David Manning described the King as a “stabilising force” capable of creating space for renewed engagement on complex issues. Through carefully crafted speeches, King Charles struck a tone of respect and unity. He praised American […]
Russia scales back Victory Day parade in Moscow
Russia has decided to scale down its annual Victory Day parade scheduled for 9 May in Moscow, citing heightened security concerns linked to what officials describe as threats from Ukraine. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, authorities are implementing strict measures to reduce potential risks. Despite the changes, the ceremony will still take place at Red Square, a symbolic location for the commemoration. Russia’s defence ministry confirmed that this year’s parade will not include heavy military equipment or cadets from traditional military academies. Instead, the event will feature personnel from various branches of the armed forces along with an aerial display. The adjustments reflect what officials describe as the current operational environment. The decision comes as Ukraine has stepped up strikes deep inside Russian territory, more than four years into the ongoing conflict. Kyiv maintains that its actions target military […]
Assurance : concours IIA ouvert aux Togolais
Le secteur de l’assurance en zone Conférence Interafricaine des Marchés d’Assurance (CIMA) ouvre à nouveau ses portes aux candidats togolais. L’Institut International des Assurances (IIA), basé à Yaoundé, lance le concours d’entrée de la 4ᵉ promotion (2026-2028) du Master professionnel en assurance (MPA), avec des inscriptions accessibles dans les États membres, dont le Togo. Ce concours vise à former des cadres spécialisés capables d’évoluer dans différents segments du secteur, notamment la souscription, la gestion des sinistres, l’actuariat, la finance, la conformité et le management des compagnies d’assurances. Ces profils restent fortement demandés sur plusieurs marchés africains. Le programme de formation couvre un large éventail de disciplines, incluant le droit, l’économie, les techniques d’assurance, les mathématiques financières, les statistiques, la comptabilité ainsi que la culture générale. Il est conçu pour répondre aux exigences des marchés régulés par la CIMA. Pour être […]
Togo : PRIMA accélère les investissements agricoles
Le Togo accélère la mise en œuvre du Programme régional d’intégration des marchés agricoles (PRIMA), avec l’appui du Fonds international de développement agricole (FIDA). Une mission technique de l’institution a récemment séjourné dans le pays afin de renforcer les capacités opérationnelles de l’équipe nationale et d’améliorer le rythme d’exécution du plan de travail 2026. Pour cette année, le programme prévoit plusieurs investissements structurants, notamment dans les Zones d’aménagement agricole planifiées (ZAAP), les infrastructures hydrauliques, les dispositifs de stockage et de commercialisation, ainsi que les études pour la réhabilitation de pistes rurales et l’aménagement de bas-fonds. Ces interventions visent à réduire les pertes post-récolte, améliorer l’accès à l’eau, faciliter l’acheminement des productions et accroître la productivité agricole. Dans ce cadre, une mission de terrain a été conduite sur un site de ZAAP à Agbatitoè, dans la préfecture de Haho, afin d’évaluer […]
Related
France urges citizens to leave Mali fast
France has called on its nationals to leave Mali without delay following a surge in coordinated attacks involving separatist fighters and Islamist militants. In an updated advisory, the French government warned that the security situation has become “extremely volatile” and urged citizens to avoid all travel to the country. Those still in Mali have been advised to depart using available commercial flights while limiting movement and following local authorities’ instructions. The warning comes after a wave of violence over the weekend, with explosions and gunfire reported in several areas, including the capital, Bamako. In the town of Kati, Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed in a suicide attack, while in the north, separatist forces seized control of Kidal. Despite the escalation, Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta stated that the situation remains under control. He said the army had inflicted […]
US court limits race use in voting maps
The US Supreme Court has issued a major ruling that limits how lawmakers can use race when drawing electoral districts, a decision likely to influence political dynamics across the southern United States. In a 6–3 judgment, the court’s conservative majority backed a legal challenge against newly drawn voting maps in Louisiana. These maps had been created to comply with protections under the Voting Rights Act, which aims to prevent racial discrimination in elections. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito argued that past interpretations of the law had, in some cases, pushed states toward race-based decisions that conflict with constitutional principles. The plaintiffs—primarily white voters—contended that factoring race into district boundaries violated equal protection guarantees. While the court stopped short of declaring the Voting Rights Act provision unconstitutional, it introduced a stricter standard for future cases. Individuals challenging electoral maps […]
King Charles visit tests UK-US ties
The official visit of King Charles III to the United States delivered polished speeches, warm gestures and carefully staged ceremonies. But beyond the symbolism, a key question remains: will this diplomatic moment lead to tangible political progress? Ahead of the visit, British officials were realistic about its limits. Deep disagreements between London and Washington—ranging from trade and NATO commitments to Ukraine and Iran—were not expected to disappear overnight. Tensions had also been fuelled by past remarks from Donald Trump directed at UK leadership. Rather than aiming for a reset, diplomats saw the visit as an opportunity to ease tensions and improve dialogue. Former UK ambassador David Manning described the King as a “stabilising force” capable of creating space for renewed engagement on complex issues. Through carefully crafted speeches, King Charles struck a tone of respect and unity. He praised American […]
Russia scales back Victory Day parade in Moscow
Russia has decided to scale down its annual Victory Day parade scheduled for 9 May in Moscow, citing heightened security concerns linked to what officials describe as threats from Ukraine. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, authorities are implementing strict measures to reduce potential risks. Despite the changes, the ceremony will still take place at Red Square, a symbolic location for the commemoration. Russia’s defence ministry confirmed that this year’s parade will not include heavy military equipment or cadets from traditional military academies. Instead, the event will feature personnel from various branches of the armed forces along with an aerial display. The adjustments reflect what officials describe as the current operational environment. The decision comes as Ukraine has stepped up strikes deep inside Russian territory, more than four years into the ongoing conflict. Kyiv maintains that its actions target military […]
Trump to feature his picture in new US passports
The United States will begin issuing a limited number of new passports that include a picture of President Donald Trump inside the booklet, officials have confirmed. The design is part of a special edition created to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July. According to the State Department, the commemorative passports will show Trump’s official portrait on an inside page alongside imagery of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. His signature will also appear in gold under the image as part of the America250 branding. Officials say between 25,000 and 30,000 of the special passports will be printed. They will be available to eligible US citizens who apply through the passport office in Washington DC once distribution begins ahead of the July 4 celebrations. The move makes Trump the first sitting US president to […]
Trump plans prolonged blockade of Iran, says report
President Donald Trump has told his aides to prepare for a prolonged United States naval blockade of Iran’s key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, according to US media reports. The move is part of efforts to intensify economic pressure on Tehran as the war enters its third month and peace efforts remain stalled. Trump has already ordered the US Navy to block ships heading to or from Iranian ports, a step aimed mainly at choking off Iran’s vital oil exports. He has repeatedly said Iran will never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and insists any settlement must be on US terms. In meetings with senior advisers, Trump decided that maintaining and even extending the blockade was a less risky option than resuming large scale bombing or withdrawing from the conflict entirely. Analysts say Washington wants to […]