US Forces Launch Deadly Strike on Alleged Drug Smuggling Vessel, Killing Three

US Forces Strike Third Alleged Drug Vessel, Killing Three In a statement on Truth Social, President Donald Trump announced that US forces carried out a "lethal kinetic strike" on a vessel in international waters, killing three individuals suspected of trafficking drugs. The attack occurred in the US Southern Command's area of responsibility, covering most of South America and the Caribbean. The strike is the third such operation in recent weeks, following two previous attacks that killed 14 people on boats allegedly from Venezuela. Trump stated that US intelligence confirmed the vessel was involved in drug trafficking before ordering the strike. The attack happened on Friday evening, with a video posted by Trump showing the boat exploding and bursting into flames seconds after it was hit. The Venezuelan government has condemned the strikes, with President Nicolás Maduro vowing to defend his country against what he calls "US aggression". The international community is closely watching the situation, with many countries calling for restraint and diplomacy in addressing the complex issue of drug trafficking. The US Southern Command's area of responsibility spans a vast region, including several countries that have been affected by the ongoing crisis. The strikes are part of a broader effort to combat narco-trafficking, which has been linked to violence, corruption, and instability in many parts of Latin America. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is waiting for further clarification on the implications of the strike and what it means for regional relations. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Bbc reporting.*