Background on Key Figures and Context
Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, asserted on Tuesday that the United States bombed a cocaine factory in the Venezuelan city of Maracaibo. This claim connects the facility to the Colombian guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), which is known to control cocaine production in the Catatumbo region, bordering Venezuela.
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the US had destroyed a Venezuelan port allegedly used for drug trafficking, marking the first terrestrial attack in his offensive against drug cartels in Latin America.
Insight Crime, a research center, reports that the ELN operates in both Colombia and Venezuela, funding its activities through drug trafficking and extortion.
Details of the Alleged Attack
Petro stated on X that he believes the US bombed a factory in Maracaibo where coca paste is mixed to produce cocaine. He linked the facility to the ELN, claiming that their drug trafficking operations facilitate incursions into Venezuela.
Trump mentioned a “large explosion” during the attack at a port area where drug-laden ships were being loaded, but provided no further details regarding the operation’s nature or location. He only indicated that it occurred “along the coast.”
US Drug War Campaign in Latin America
Since September, the US has been conducting bombing campaigns in the Caribbean and Pacific against alleged drug traffickers’ vessels, resulting in over a hundred deaths so far.
Trump has been hinting for weeks that the US would soon launch land-based attacks against drug cartels in Latin America, and the alleged attack in Maracaibo appears to be the first.
Venezuelan Government’s Response
The Venezuelan government, led by Nicolás Maduro, has not commented on the alleged attack. The US does not recognize Maduro’s administration and accuses him of being part of the supposed “Cartel of the Suns” drug trafficking organization.
In addition to the alleged destruction of narco-vessels, Trump has ordered a blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting Venezuela. At least two vessels have been seized.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who claimed the US bombed a cocaine factory in Maracaibo? Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
- Which Venezuelan port was allegedly targeted? The port of Maracaibo.
- What group does Petro link to the factory? The National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian guerrilla group.
- What details did Trump provide about the attack? He mentioned a “large explosion” at a port area used for loading drug-laden ships but offered no further specifics.
- What is the nature of the ongoing US campaign against drug cartels in Latin America? It involves bombing campaigns and, as alleged in Maracaibo, potential land-based attacks.
- How has the Venezuelan government responded to the alleged attack? They have not commented.
- What is the US stance on the Venezuelan government? The US does not recognize President Nicolás Maduro’s administration and accuses him of drug trafficking involvement.
- What additional measures has Trump taken against Venezuela? He ordered a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting Venezuela, resulting in the seizure of at least two vessels.
