🔗 Share this article US Forces Targeted a 'Major Complex' in Venezuela, Trump Stated Lacking Providing Details. Ex-President Trump has asserted that US military assets hit a "significant installation" in Venezuela recently. Yet, the ex-leader withheld information about the precise nature or location of the strike, and there has been no additional clarification from his camp. Unspecific Remarks Offered In a Radio Show "We just eliminated – I'm not sure if you read – they have a large facility, where the vessels originate. Recently, we destroyed it. So we targeted them very hard," Trump allegedly said to GOP supporter and supermarket owner John Catsimatidis on Friday. Possible Significance of a Verified Attack If a American strike were to be verified, it would constitute the initial ground target hit since the Pentagon initiated a buildup of American strike forces in the Caribbean region to interdict narco-trafficking operations that the former administration claims operate under the direction of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The initial mission of the force deployment has since morphed into a blockade aimed at disrupting the nation's oil exports. Online Video and Official Claims Trump has for some time indicated that US forces are prepared to widen the military campaign by attacking targets within Venezuela, a move that would theoretically require legislative approval. Video footage circulated online on 24 December purportedly showed an explosion reportedly from an industrial zone in Zulia state. But, the video or the facility has not been independently verified. An official from Trump's team reportedly told a news network that the president was referring to a drug facility in his remarks. Response and Ongoing Strategic Situation The Venezuelan government has issued no statement on the incident Trump referenced. Furthermore, there have been no verified accounts from Venezuela regarding it. The buildup of US military in the area – a position some have referred to as a sea blockade – represents the broadest naval operation of his time in office. Sources have refrained from labeling the action as a blockade, but have stated that about 15,000 troops are stationed across the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf, including a carrier strike group, advanced fighter jets, and Coast Guard cutters to enforce current economic sanctions.