• Trump claims the U.S. struck a facility in Venezuela linked to drug trafficking.
• The attack reportedly caused a "major explosion" at a dock used for loading boats with drugs.
• This incident marks potential U.S. land strikes in Venezuela, part of ongoing military pressure on Maduro.

In recent statements, President Trump declared that the U.S. "knocked out" a "big facility" in Venezuela that is allegedly used for drug trafficking. This facility is described as a dock area where vessels load narcotics for maritime transport. Trump indicated that the strike occurred two nights prior during an appearance on the "Cats & Cosby" show, saying, "We hit them very hard," although specifics about the attack remain unclear, according to The Hill, ABC News, and CBS News.

During a follow-up, Trump described the operation as causing a "major explosion" and specified it was "the implementation area," further complicating clarifications regarding whether military or CIA forces conducted the strike. He admitted to having authorized CIA operations in Venezuela previously, elevating concerns about the legality and transparency of such actions, as noted by Los Angeles Times, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

Trump's comments included that the U.S. struck not just the vessels but the loading facility itself, asserting, "We hit all the boats, and now we hit the area." He did not specify the exact location of this attack or how it could affect U.S.-Venezuelan relations. The Venezuelan government, referred to as "Maduro's government," has yet to respond to these assertions, as reported by India Times, Anadolu Agency, and BBC News.

The context surrounding Trump's remarks indicates a far-reaching military strategy against drug trafficking linked to Venezuela, with reports suggesting that over 105 individuals have died in strikes targeting vessels in the region recently. The U.S. has deployed significant military resources to the Caribbean as part of this operation, as highlighted by Los Angeles Times, Le Monde, and SFGate.