Nearly a week after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced what he described as the first U.S. ground strike in a four-month-long military pressure campaign against Venezuela, details surrounding the event remain scarce. CNN and The New York Times reported late Monday that the CIA allegedly used a drone to target a port facility reportedly used by the Tren de Aragua street gang.

The alleged drone attack marks a new phase in the escalating shadow war between the U.S. and Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro continues to cling to power despite increasing international pressure and internal dissent. No casualties were reported in the alleged attack, but the date, time, and precise location remain unknown.

The incident follows months of heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. Trump, who left office in January 2025 but remains a powerful political figure, has repeatedly accused Maduro's government of corruption, human rights abuses, and ties to criminal organizations. The U.S. has long maintained sanctions against Venezuela, targeting key sectors of its economy, including oil.

Venezuela, once one of Latin America's wealthiest nations due to its vast oil reserves, has suffered a severe economic crisis in recent years, leading to widespread poverty, hyperinflation, and mass emigration. Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chávez in 2013, has consolidated power through controversial elections and crackdowns on opposition.

The situation in Venezuela has drawn international concern, with various countries and organizations calling for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis. The United Nations has reported on human rights violations and the humanitarian situation, while neighboring countries struggle to cope with the influx of Venezuelan refugees and migrants.

The alleged drone strike raises questions about the legality and implications of U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. Critics argue that such actions violate international law and undermine the sovereignty of Venezuela. Supporters, however, contend that they are necessary to protect U.S. interests and promote democracy in the region.

The Tren de Aragua, allegedly targeted in the drone strike, is a powerful Venezuelan criminal organization with a presence in several Latin American countries. The gang is involved in various illicit activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and human smuggling. Its alleged presence at the port facility suggests a potential link between criminal networks and the Maduro regime.

The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. While Maduro has so far resisted U.S. pressure and internal challenges, the country faces a deep political and economic crisis. The ongoing shadow war between the U.S. and Venezuela risks further destabilizing the region and exacerbating the suffering of the Venezuelan people.