Overview
- President Trump said a U.S. operation destroyed a Venezuelan harbor site used to load narcotics boats, describing a “large explosion” but giving no location, casualty figures, or method of attack.
- The Pentagon referred questions to the White House, which did not provide confirmation, and it remains unclear whether the action was conducted by the military or the CIA, with no independent verification from Venezuela.
- Since September, U.S. forces have repeatedly targeted suspected narcotics boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, with reporting of more than 100 deaths and growing criticism from Russia and China at the UN over legality and regional risks.
- Nigerian officials confirmed separate U.S. Reaper drone strikes on Islamic State targets in the country’s northwest, saying 16 GPS‑guided munitions were used and fighters were neutralized, as Trump touted the timing as a “Christmas” response.
- In parallel, Russia accused Ukraine of a drone attack on a Putin residence that Kyiv denies; Trump said Putin informed him and he condemned striking a leader’s home, while the claim remains unverified and talks with President Zelenskyy produced no breakthrough.