Breaking News: Trump Announces Strike on Suspected Venezuelan Drug Boat
The US military downed a small boat off the coast of Venezuela on Tuesday morning, killing six men, according to President Donald Trump. The strike is at least the fifth in recent weeks aimed at combating drug smuggling in the Caribbean.
President Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, stating that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization conducting narcotrafficking off the coast of Venezuela. The aerial footage accompanying the announcement shows the boat bursting into flames.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 AM local time, according to sources. It is unclear which alleged terrorist organization the boat was affiliated with or where it originated from. The US government has not released any further information on the identity of the individuals killed in the strike.
The Trump administration's efforts to combat drug smuggling have been met with criticism from some lawmakers and human rights groups, who argue that such strikes often result in civilian casualties and exacerbate regional tensions. Others have praised the administration's commitment to addressing the issue.
In a statement, White House Press Secretary said, "We will continue to take decisive action against those who seek to smuggle drugs into our country." The US Department of Defense has not commented on the incident.
The strike is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address the growing problem of drug smuggling in the Caribbean. In recent weeks, the US military has conducted several operations targeting suspected drug boats off the coast of Venezuela and other countries in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear what further actions the US government will take to address the issue of drug smuggling in the region. The incident highlights the complex challenges facing policymakers as they navigate the delicate balance between national security and human rights concerns.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Forbes reporting.*
