Colombia: U.S. Allegedly Bombed Cocaine Factory in Venezuela

Colombian President Gustavo Petro claims the U.S. bombed a cocaine production facility in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Petro alleges the strike targeted a facility linked to the National Liberation Army (ELN).

Donald Trump had mentioned a U.S. ground strike in Venezuela without specifying the location. Petro believes it targeted an ELN facility, a Colombian rebel group controlling part of the Catatumbo region near Venezuela.

Trump stated the strike occurred on a "beach" where drugs were being loaded. The Venezuelan government has not officially commented. The U.S. accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of drug trafficking, which he denies.

Since early September, the U.S. has conducted approximately 30 airstrikes against vessels allegedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific.