U.S. Drones Strike ELN Cartel Sites in Venezuela
U.S. military drone strikes hit ELN operations in rural Venezuela in coordination with Venezuelan forces.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Terrorism
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The U.S. military conducted a series of drone strikes against ELN cartel operations in rural Venezuela over the weekend, in coordination with the Venezuelan military. Venezuelan forces then moved in to secure the area.
Why it matters
The ELN is designated a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and other countries, and is described as using drug trafficking to finance its operations. The strikes mark direct U.S. military action against the group inside Venezuela.
The strikes were a series of drone attacks conducted over the weekend in coordination with Venezuelan military forces. Casualty figures, targets and the scope of damage have not been detailed in available reporting.
The players
ELN (National Liberation Army)
A Colombia-origin guerrilla group designated a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union, which finances its operations through drug trafficking.
Delcy Rodríguez
The Venezuelan leader who reportedly authorized the coordinated strikes against the ELN.
Nicolás Maduro
Former Venezuelan president who was captured in January and is in U.S. custody awaiting trial.
The details
Venezuelan military forces moved in to secure the area after the drone strikes against ELN cartel operations in rural Venezuela. The strikes were carried out in coordination with Caracas, a development that follows the January operation that captured Nicolás Maduro.
Timeline
Weekend before November 5, 2026: U.S. drone strikes hit ELN operations in rural Venezuela.
June 2027: Scheduled trial date for Nicolás Maduro.
Terrorism Context
The strikes follow Maduro's January capture in a sequence of direct U.S. operations inside Venezuela. They extend U.S. military action from the political leadership to armed non-state groups operating in the country's rural interior.
Travelers and residents in and near rural Venezuela should monitor official advisories, as military operations and security sweeps may restrict movement in affected areas. Those tracking the situation can follow updates from official government channels for confirmed information.
The takeaway
Direct military action against armed groups inside Venezuela is now part of the security landscape following Maduro's capture. Readers should weigh official government statements carefully while casualty and target details remain unconfirmed.
What happens next
Maduro's trial is scheduled for June 2027.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in our Terrorism section for context on armed groups and counterterrorism operations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PJ Media.
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