Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that the United States conducted a bombing operation targeting a drug trafficking facility located in Maracaibo, Venezuela. According to Petro, the site was affiliated with the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian communist armed group involved in illegal activities including drug trafficking.
The incident marks a notable escalation in the regional security landscape, with Petro confirming the U.S. involvement but providing limited details on the operation’s specifics. The Venezuelan government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, and there has been no publicly confirmed response from U.S. authorities.
The ELN has long been designated as a terrorist organization by Colombia and other countries, and its activities have historically extended across national borders, complicating efforts to combat drug trafficking and violence in the region. The event raises questions about coordination between the U.S., Colombia, and Venezuela amid ongoing concerns over illicit drug flows and regional stability.
Further official details are expected as authorities assess the scope and impact of the operation. Regional officials and international observers are watching closely, given the potential implications for security and diplomatic relations in the area.