ISTANBUL

The US military's elite Special Operations aviation unit has been seen in Caribbean waters less than 90 miles (145 kilometers) from the Venezuelan coast, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment flew advanced MH-6 Little Bird attack helicopters and MH-60 Black Hawks near Trinidad's northeast coast in recent days, according to the news outlet's visual analysis of videos circulating on social media.

The helicopters were "engaged in training exercises," a US official told the newspaper.

Significant military assets, including the MV Ocean Trader, a commercial vessel converted into a "floating Special Operations" base that can carry 200 personnel and multiple aircraft, was recently seen in the region and experts said it could be related to the operation.

Satellite imagery indicated that the vessel was anchored in St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands in late September and was operating approximately 40 miles east of Trinidad on Oct. 6.

The newspaper said approximately one-tenth of the US Navy forces deployed are currently in the region.

The US has already taken deadly action in the region, striking at least five boats allegedly carrying narcotics in international waters, which resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he authorized the CIA to conduct missions inside Venezuela.