Hegseth says four killed in US strike on alleged drug boat off Venezuelan coast

US Strike on Venezuelan Coast Kills Four in Alleged Anti-Drug Operation A US military strike targeting an alleged drug-trafficking vessel off the coast of Venezuela has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, according to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The operation, which appears to be at least the fourth such strike by the US in recent weeks, was carried out on the orders of former President Donald Trump and aimed to disrupt narcotics trafficking into the United States. The incident highlights growing tensions between the US and Latin American cartels, with the Trump administration declaring a new non-international armed conflict with these groups. Hegseth confirmed that he directed the strike, stating that it was necessary to target a boat with substantial amounts of drugs. "We will not tolerate the flow of illicit narcotics into our country," Hegseth said in a statement. According to sources close to the matter, the US military has been increasing its efforts to combat drug trafficking in recent months. The Trump administration's decision to declare a non-international armed conflict with cartels marks a significant escalation in this effort. "This is a clear indication that the US government is taking a more aggressive stance against organized crime," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an expert on Latin American security issues. The strike on Friday was not the first of its kind, with at least three previous operations targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels off the Venezuelan coast. However, this incident has raised concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and the effectiveness of such military interventions in disrupting narcotics trafficking. The US Department of Defense has stated that it will continue to work with international partners to combat transnational crime and protect national security interests. As tensions between the US and Latin American cartels continue to rise, experts warn of a potentially volatile situation. "We are seeing a perfect storm of factors contributing to increased violence and instability in the region," said Dr. Rodriguez. The incident has also sparked debate about the role of military force in combating drug trafficking. While some argue that targeted strikes can be effective in disrupting narcotics flows, others raise concerns about the potential for unintended consequences and civilian casualties. In a statement, Hegseth emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with international partners to address the complex issue of transnational crime. "We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle these organizations, and we will not hesitate to take action when necessary," he said. The US Department of Defense has not provided further details on the operation or the identities of those killed in the strike. However, experts warn that the situation is likely to remain volatile in the coming weeks and months. As tensions between the US and Latin American cartels continue to rise, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of failure could be severe. The incident has also raised questions about the Trump administration's decision to declare a non-international armed conflict with cartels. Critics argue that this move may have unintended consequences, including increased violence and instability in the region. In conclusion, the US strike on Venezuelan coast has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, highlighting growing tensions between the US and Latin American cartels. As the situation continues to unfold, experts warn of a potentially volatile situation, with significant implications for regional security and stability. This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.