US Confirms 20th Strike in Caribbean, Four Lives Lost in Latest Maritime Attack

US Military Confirms 20th Strike in Caribbean, Four Killed in Latest Attack The United States military has confirmed that four people were killed in a strike on a boat in international waters in the Caribbean, marking the 20th reported attack on vessels in the region. The strike, authorized by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, occurred on Monday and targeted a boat allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking. According to the US Southern Command, the strike was carried out in response to intelligence suggesting the boat was transporting illicit substances. The command released a statement on X, citing Hegseth's authorization for the operation. However, no evidence was provided to support the claim. The attack has sparked immediate concern and response from regional authorities. Venezuela, which has been at the center of US military operations in the region, has reportedly prepared a massive deployment of forces in anticipation of potential US aggression. Colombia, a key US ally in the fight against drug trafficking, has pledged to maintain intelligence-sharing with the US to combat the issue. The latest strike is part of a broader US military campaign in the Caribbean and Pacific, aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking and other illicit activities. The operation has been ongoing for several months, with the US military conducting a series of strikes against suspected vessels and smuggling networks. The 20th strike in the Caribbean is a stark reminder of the complex and volatile security landscape in the region. The US military's actions have been met with a mix of concern and skepticism from regional authorities, with some questioning the effectiveness and legitimacy of the operations. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely. The US military has promised to provide further information on the strike, but for now, the focus remains on the immediate impact and response to the attack.