US Forces Strike Third "Narcotics Ship" in Caribbean, Venezuela Denounces "Undeclared War

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that American forces had carried out a third strike targeting a ship he claimed was trafficking illicit narcotics in the Caribbean Sea. The latest operation resulted in the deaths of at least three men on board, according to Trump. The US president made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, stating that the vessel was intercepted and struck by US military forces in the Caribbean Sea on September 15, 2025. "Another 'drug vessel' has been hit," Trump wrote. "Three scum bags are dead." Venezuela's government responded swiftly to the news, accusing the United States of waging an undeclared war in the region and calling for a probe by the United Nations into the strikes. "We condemn these actions as a clear example of an undeclared war against our country," Venezuelan Foreign Minister Carlos Faria said in a statement. "We demand that the international community takes immediate action to stop this aggression." The US has been conducting operations in the Caribbean aimed at disrupting drug trafficking routes, with previous strikes targeting vessels carrying cocaine and other illicit substances. According to experts, the region's geography makes it an attractive hub for smugglers due to its proximity to major markets in the United States and Europe. "The Caribbean is a key transit point for narcotics traffickers," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a specialist on international crime at the University of Miami. "It's not surprising that the US is targeting these operations." However, some critics argue that the US approach may be counterproductive, exacerbating tensions with countries in the region and undermining efforts to combat transnational organized crime. "This aggressive posture by the United States will only drive more traffickers underground," said Dr. Juan Hernandez, a professor of international relations at the University of Caracas. "We need a more collaborative approach that involves regional cooperation and support for law enforcement." The latest strike has sparked concerns about the escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela, with some analysts warning of potential consequences for regional stability. As the situation continues to unfold, the United Nations is expected to hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss the implications of the strikes and the Venezuelan government's call for a probe. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*