At a Glance
- Explosion on Dec. 18 destroyed a hut in Alta Guajira.
- Witnesses say the blast may be linked to a U.S. strike, but no confirmation.
- President Donald Trump referenced a “major explosion” near Venezuela’s coast.
- Why it matters: The incident fuels speculation about U.S. military action amid drug-trafficking concerns.
In the remote northwest coast of Venezuela, an unexplained explosion rattled a Wayuu community, raising questions about U.S. involvement and the country’s escalating pressure campaign.
Witness Accounts
Two Wayuu residents reported seeing a loud blast that destroyed a hut and damaged nearby fishing gear. The incident happened on the afternoon of Dec. 18, just a few days after the witnesses heard a strange noise that might have been a drone.
Ana stated:
> “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Ana said. “The explosion was so loud we could not hear for hours. Some relatives suffered hearing damage and our boat was destroyed along with fishing nets.”
Second Witness added:
> “I don’t know if it was a missile or a rocket. The truth is, we don’t know what it was,” the second witness said. “But it was a big explosion.”
- Explosion time: afternoon of Dec. 18
- Damage: hut, fishing nets, boat, hammocks
- Government response: representatives arrived Dec. 19, asked for medical help and new nets
Political Reactions
President Donald Trump mentioned the incident during a short phone interview and a press availability at Mar-a-Lago. He said it was a “major explosion” in a dock area along Venezuela’s shoreline where boats were loaded with drugs.
President Donald Trump stated:
> “I don’t want to say that,” Trump said. “I know exactly who it was, but I don’t want to say who it was. But you know, it was along the shore.”
The CIA declined to comment on reports of a drone strike at a Venezuelan port facility, and the White House did not elaborate beyond Trump’s remarks. A government representative blamed the U.S., saying: “The gringos did this.”
- Trump’s claim: U.S. strike near shore
- CIA silence: no comment on drone strike
- Government stance: blame on U.S.
Key Takeaways
- Explosion on Dec. 18 in Alta Guajira remains unexplained.
- President Trump referenced a U.S. strike, but no confirmation from CIA or White House.
- Local witnesses report damage and seek aid, while government officials point fingers at the U.S.
The situation remains unclear, with no definitive evidence linking the blast to U.S. military action or a CIA operation.
