In a significant escalation of its anti-drug efforts, the United States military conducted a lethal strike in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 alleged members of the Venezuelan drug cartel Tren de Aragua. President Donald Trump announced the operation, emphasizing it targeted narcoterrorists responsible for smuggling drugs into the US.
The strike occurred earlier today in international waters, where a vessel suspected of carrying illegal narcotics from Venezuela was intercepted and destroyed. Trump stated that the action was executed on his direct orders using precision munitions, resulting in no casualties among US forces. He shared a video on social media showing the boat exploding after being hit, claiming it was loaded with a substantial amount of drugs.
Tren de Aragua, the group targeted, was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the US State Department in February, accused of involvement in drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and violent crimes. This designation has provided the legal foundation for the Trump administration’s aggressive military measures against Latin American cartels, marking a shift from traditional law enforcement approaches.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio elaborated on the mission, describing it as part of a broader counter-drug strategy to combat cartels that threaten US national security. He noted that the Caribbean route is a common pathway for drug smuggling and warned that similar actions would continue, underscoring the administration’s commitment to reducing drug inflows.
In recent weeks, the US has significantly increased its military presence in the region, deploying additional naval vessels and over 4,000 Marines and sailors to enhance surveillance and interception capabilities. This buildup is aimed at providing a robust response to drug trafficking but has been met with strong opposition from Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Maduro condemned the strike, vowing to resist any military intervention and accusing the US of making criminal threats. The Venezuelan communications minister suggested without evidence that the video of the strike might be fabricated, though initial checks by Reuters found no signs of manipulation. The US has also offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest on drug trafficking charges.
The strike represents a new chapter in US drug policy, involving direct military engagement with cartels in international waters. It raises questions about international law and the potential for escalated tensions between the US and Venezuela, with implications for regional stability. The Trump administration has indicated that further strikes are possible, keeping the situation dynamic and closely watched by the international community.
