The United States conducted another operation targeting a small boat suspected of carrying drugs near Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, according to President Donald Trump. The individuals killed were on the vessel, and there were no casualties among U.S. forces, as stated by the president in a social media post. This marks the fifth lethal operation in the Caribbean region, with the Trump administration emphasizing the use of military force against alleged drug traffickers treated as illegal combatants.
President Trump confirmed that the strike, ordered by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, took place in international waters after intelligence indicated the vessel’s involvement in narcotics trafficking linked to “narcoterrorist networks” along a known drug route. A video released by Trump depicted the targeted boat stationary on water before being hit by a projectile from above, resulting in an explosion and subsequent flames.
Former diplomat James Story raised concerns that such operations could impede counter-narcotics efforts by straining relationships with key allies like Colombia, potentially undermining intelligence gathering crucial for combating drug trafficking organizations. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including members of both major political parties, have expressed growing dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s actions. Some Republicans are seeking further details on the legal rationale behind the strikes, while Democrats argue that the operations violate domestic and international laws.
In response to mounting criticism, the administration defended its actions in a memo to Congress, asserting the U.S. engagement in a non-international armed conflict with designated terrorist groups and authorizing military operations in accordance with the laws of armed conflict. However, the administration has not provided substantive evidence to lawmakers proving the presence of narcotics on the targeted boats, according to unnamed U.S. officials familiar with the matter.
The escalation of U.S. maritime presence in the Caribbean has raised tensions, with Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino alleging that the accusations of drug trafficking are fabricated as a pretext for provoking a regime change in Venezuela. Padrino warned of potential escalation, characterizing the U.S. actions as irrational, warmongering, and aimed at destabilizing the region.