BREAKING: President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the U.S. military carried out another strike on a suspected drug vessel off the coast of Venezuela, killing six suspected smugglers.

US Military Strikes Suspected Drug Vessel Off Venezuela, Six Killed

In a bold move against narcotics trafficking, President Donald Trump announced that the US military conducted a strike on a suspected drug vessel off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of six suspected smugglers. This operation marks the latest escalation in the US government’s efforts to disrupt illicit drug networks in the region.

According to Trump, intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics and associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks. The strike, carried out in international waters, was executed with precision, with no US forces harmed. Trump shared a 30-second video of the strike on Truth Social, showing a projectile hitting a stationary vessel, followed by an explosion.

Background and Context

This incident is part of a broader US military buildup in the southern Caribbean, aimed at combating narcotics trafficking. The US has deployed F-35 aircraft, eight warships, and a nuclear-powered submarine to the region. The Trump administration argues that these operations are necessary to protect national security and prevent illicit drugs from entering the US.

Controversy and Criticism

However, the strikes have sparked controversy, with critics questioning the legality of using military force against suspected drug traffickers. Some argue that the US is applying an overly broad interpretation of international law, labeling drug smugglers as “unlawful combatants.” Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the strikes as a violation of sovereignty, accusing the US of seeking to drive him from power .

International Reaction

The international community has mixed reactions to the US strikes. Some countries, like Colombia, have expressed concerns over the use of military force, while others have supported the US efforts to combat narcotics trafficking. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session to discuss the strikes, with representatives from Venezuela, Russia, and China accusing the US of conducting extrajudicial killings ¹.

What’s Next?

The US military’s campaign against narcotics trafficking in the region appears to be ongoing. The Trump administration has announced the formation of a new joint task force under US Southern Command to oversee counter-narcotics efforts. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain – the US is committed to disrupting illicit drug networks in the Caribbean ¹.