🔗 Share this article American Forces Struck a 'Big Complex' in Venezuela, Trump Asserted Without Offering Details. Former President Donald Trump has claimed that US forces targeted a "large installation" in Venezuela last week. But, the former president withheld information about the exact nature or location of the target, and there has been no additional clarification from his camp. Vague Comments Offered During a Radio Show "We just eliminated – I don't know if you saw – they have a large facility, where the vessels come from. Recently, we destroyed it. So we hit them decisively," Trump reportedly informed GOP supporter and businessman John Catsimatidis in a recent interview. Possible Significance of a Confirmed Strike Should a US strike were to be confirmed, it would mark the first ground target hit since the Pentagon initiated a buildup of US military presence in the Caribbean region to interdict narco-trafficking operations that the former administration alleges operate under the orders of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The stated mission of the military buildup has evolved into a blockade aimed at disrupting the country's crude oil shipments. Online Footage and Official Statements Trump has for weeks warned that US forces are ready to escalate the operations by hitting objectives within Venezuela, a strategy that would in theory require congressional authorization. Online video posted on social media on 24 December appeared to show an explosion reportedly from an industrial zone in Zulia state. But, the footage or the facility has not been confirmed by third parties. An official from Trump's team allegedly told a media outlet that the former president was describing a drug facility in his comments. Reaction and Ongoing Strategic Posture The Caracas administration has issued no statement on the event Trump described. Additionally, there have been no corroborating news from within the country regarding it. The buildup of US military in the region – a stance some have referred to as a naval quarantine – represents the most expansive naval operation of his time in office. Officials have stopped short from describing the action as a full blockade, but have stated that about 15,000 personnel are positioned across the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, including a carrier strike group, advanced fighter jets, and Coast Guard cutters to uphold existing economic sanctions.