🔗 Share this article American Forces Targeted a 'Large Plant' in the Venezuelan nation, Trump Stated Lacking Offering Specifics. Former President Trump has claimed that US military assets targeted a "major plant" in the South American country last week. But, the former president offered no details on the exact nature or site of the strike, and officials have issued no additional comment from his camp. Vague Comments Made During a Talk Interview "US forces just destroyed – I don't know if you saw – they have a big plant, where the vessels come from. The other night, we took it out. So we hit them decisively," Trump allegedly said to GOP supporter and supermarket owner John Catsimatidis in a recent interview. Possible Significance of a Confirmed Attack Should a American military action is verified, it would represent the first ground target hit since the Pentagon began a increase of American military presence in the region to disrupt narco-trafficking operations that the Trump administration claims operate under the direction of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. This original mission of the military buildup has since morphed into a quarantine aimed at disrupting the nation's oil exports. Online Video and Administration Statements Trump has for weeks stated that US forces are prepared to escalate the operations by striking objectives within Venezuela, a strategy that would in theory require congressional authorization. Online video shared on social media on 24 December appeared to show an explosion allegedly from an industrial area in Zulia state. Yet, the video or the facility has not been confirmed by third parties. An administration official allegedly informed a media outlet that the former president was describing a narco-trafficking site in his remarks. Response and Ongoing Military Situation The Caracas administration has not commented on the event Trump described. Additionally, there have been no corroborating news from within the country about it. The deployment of US military in the region – a position some have called a sea blockade – constitutes the largest naval operation of his time in office. Officials have avoided from calling the action as a blockade, but have acknowledged that about 15,000 troops are positioned across the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf, including a aircraft carrier group, advanced fighter jets, and Coast Guard cutters to uphold existing economic sanctions.