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 purportedly used by the Tren de Aragua street gang.

The alleged drone strike marks a new phase in the ongoing shadow war between the U.S. and Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro continues to cling to power despite increasing internal and external pressures. The date, time, and precise location of the attack remain unconfirmed, and no casualties were reported.

The incident follows months of escalating 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, crippling its oil-dependent economy and contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has seen millions of Venezuelans flee the country.

The situation is further complicated by the involvement of various international actors. Russia and China have maintained close ties with Maduro, providing economic and military support. These relationships are viewed by some analysts as a challenge to U.S. influence in the region. The European Union has also expressed concern over the situation, calling for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the political crisis.

The Tren de Aragua, the gang allegedly targeted in the drone strike, is a transnational criminal organization that originated in Venezuela and has expanded its operations throughout South America. The gang is involved in a range of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and human smuggling. Its presence has contributed to instability in the region and has raised concerns among neighboring countries.

The photograph of a protestor riding a motorcycle adorned with a poster of Donald Trump during a rally in Caracas on December 22, 2025, illustrates the complex and polarized political landscape in Venezuela. While some Venezuelans view Trump as a potential savior, others see him as an unwelcome interventionist.

The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. U.S. wargames have reportedly played out scenarios for Maduro's fall, but none of them ended well for the country, according to Tiago Rogero, South America correspondent. The ongoing shadow war and the country's internal divisions continue to pose significant challenges to stability and development. The international community is closely watching the situation, with many hoping for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis.