President Trump announced that US forces have struck a “drug-carrying boat” from Venezuela. Speaking from the White House, he said the strike is part of efforts to stop drug smuggling that threatens American communities.
Trump stressed the administration’s focus on fighting drug cartels and protecting US borders.
Marco Rubio Provides Details
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, “US military conducted a lethal strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug vessel which had departed from Venezuela and was being operated by a designated narco-terrorist organisation.”
Rubio said the vessel was connected to a known narco-terrorist group. The Venezuelan Communications Ministry has not yet responded to the claims.
No Official Confirmation Yet
The Department of Defense and US Coast Guard have not officially confirmed the strike. Information about the vessel, its location, or casualties is not yet available.
Increased US Military Presence
The United States has deployed additional forces in the Southern Caribbean to counter drug cartel threats. Seven US warships and a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, with more than 4,500 sailors and Marines, are currently in or headed to the area.
Maduro Condemns US Action
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro criticized the strike and US naval presence, accusing the US of trying to overthrow his government.
“They are seeking a regime change through military threat,” Maduro said, calling it “the biggest threat that has been seen on our continent in the last 100 years.”
He also targeted Rubio, saying, “Marco Rubio wants to stain his hands with blood, with South American, Caribbean, and Venezuelan blood. Even if they put 10,000 missiles on our heads, Venezuelans will be respected.”
Trump’s Anti-Drug Efforts Continue
The strike follows Trump’s pledge to crack down on drug cartels in the Southern Caribbean. While US Coast Guard and Navy ships patrol the area regularly, the current military buildup is larger than usual, highlighting the administration’s intensified efforts to stop drug trafficking.
