Venezuela Denies Gang Ties to US Boat Strike Victims Amid Trump Administration Claims

Breaking News: Venezuela Denies Gang Links to US Boat Strike Victims Venezuela's interior minister has confirmed that none of the 11 people killed in a US military strike on a boat last week were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The statement comes as the Trump administration maintains that the vessel was transporting illegal narcotics. The incident occurred on February 4, when a US Navy coastguard boat attacked a Venezuelan vessel in international waters off the Caribbean coast. According to reports, the boat had turned around and was heading back to shore when it was struck by the US vessel. Venezuela's interior minister has accused the US of committing murder, while calling for an explanation for the attack. The US Congress has also demanded justification for the strike, with some lawmakers questioning the administration's claims about the boat's cargo. The background context is that Tren de Aragua is a notorious Venezuelan gang involved in organized crime and narcotics trafficking. However, it remains unclear whether the victims were indeed associated with the group or simply on board the vessel when it was attacked. As the situation unfolds, Venezuela has suspended all naval cooperation with the US pending an investigation into the incident. The international community is watching closely as tensions between the two nations escalate. The US State Department has yet to comment on Venezuela's denial of gang links to the victims, but officials are expected to address the matter in a press briefing later today. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Theguardian reporting.*