The United States has carried out a series of drone strikes in Venezuela, targeting cartel operations linked to the National Liberation Army (ELN), a designated terrorist organization. The operation, conducted in coordination with Venezuelan forces, represents a significant escalation in Washington’s regional fight against drug trafficking networks.
Strikes Hit ELN Stronghold
According to reports, the strikes took place over the weekend in a rural area of Venezuela, a country once considered a safe haven for cartel activity. The ELN, originally a Colombian guerrilla group, has long been accused of using drug trafficking to fund its operations while masquerading as a leftist revolutionary movement.
Local sources indicate the attack killed up to 20 cartel members, with graphic social media footage emerging showing the aftermath. The Venezuelan military reportedly secured the area following the strikes.
Expanding ‘Shield of the Americas’
This operation marks Venezuela’s inclusion in the U.S.-led Shield of the Americas initiative, which has enlisted over a dozen Latin American countries in coordinated anti-cartel efforts. The program has previously seen U.S. forces conduct similar operations in Colombia and other regional hotspots.
The strikes come as former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro sits in U.S. custody awaiting trial on drug-related charges, underscoring the complex relationship between Washington and Caracas in combating narcoterrorism.
ELN’s Violent History
The ELN, designated a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and EU, has been responsible for some of Colombia’s deadliest attacks. While presenting itself as a political movement, intelligence agencies have consistently documented its deep involvement in drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises.
This latest operation suggests the Biden administration is continuing—and potentially expanding—the regional counter-cartel strategy that saw increased activity under previous administrations.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/border/2026/11/05/u-s-begins-cartel-drone-strikes-in-former-cartel-haven-venezuela/