The U.S. military conducted a lethal strike on a Venezuelan vessel, killing 11 people accused of trafficking illegal narcotics
WASHINGTON
The U.S. military killed 11 people on late Tuesday in a strike on a Venezuelan vessel allegedly carrying illegal narcotics, President Donald Trump announced, marking the first operation since his administration deployed warships to the southern Caribbean. Speaking at the White House, Trump shared drone footage showing a speedboat exploding at sea, calling the targeted crew members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which the U.S. designated a terrorist organization in February. Trump repeated allegations linking the gang to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which Caracas denies.
The Pentagon has not disclosed details about the drugs seized, their quantity, or the strike’s exact execution. Analysts criticized the use of lethal force against suspected drug traffickers, describing it as unusual in standard law enforcement operations.
The military build-up in the southern Caribbean includes seven warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and aerial assets, exceeding typical deployments. U.S. officials noted P-8 surveillance planes are monitoring international waters, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated the intercepted drugs were likely bound for Trinidad or other Caribbean nations.
Venezuelan authorities suggested the video shared by Trump could be AI-generated, though Reuters’ preliminary checks found no evidence of manipulation. The strike underscores Trump’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking, raising concerns in Caracas about potential targeting of Venezuela’s leadership.
