# The US takes its anti-narcotics war onto Venezuelan soil with a drone strike against the ELN

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-us-takes-its-anti-narcotics-war-onto-venezuelan-soil-with-a-drone-strike-against-the-eln/
- Published: 2026-11-04T11:12:41+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T01:11:13+00:00
- Original publisher: El País (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-11-04/the-us-takes-its-anti-narcotics-war-onto-venezuelan-soil-with-a-drone-strike-against-the-eln.html
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- The US reportedly supported a drone strike against the ELN in Apure.
- Fundaredes counted 23 deaths, but the toll is unconfirmed.
- The attack marks a reported expansion of US operations onto Venezuelan soil.

## Summary

The United States reportedly took part in a drone strike against alleged ELN members in Venezuela’s Apure state, marking an escalation of its anti-narcotics campaign from attacks at sea to operations on land. The reported involvement of US intelligence and drones raises questions about Washington’s role in Venezuela, where authorities have not officially confirmed the strike.

Fundaredes reported 23 deaths, while local reporters identified eight people killed, including two Colombians and four Mexicans; the figures remain unconfirmed. The target was reportedly an ELN base used to distribute cocaine. The group is said to have 900 to 2,000 fighters across at least 38 municipalities in four Venezuelan border states, where it is also linked to smuggling and extortion.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.