US President Donald Trump announced that the United States military had conducted another strike on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of six individuals described as "narcoterrorists" on board. The operation targeted a ship that Trump claimed was "affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization", though he did not identify the specific group or provide evidence to substantiate the affiliation.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump detailed the intelligence behind the strike, stating, “Intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks, and was transiting along a known DTO route. The strike was conducted in international waters, and six male narcoterrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the strike. No U.S. Forces were harmed.”
This marks at least the fifth such strike publicly acknowledged by Washington, following a similar operation confirmed by the Pentagon earlier in October. The latest incident is likely to further strain relations between the US and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has reportedly been preparing to declare a state of emergency to protect his country from potential US military actions.
It could also fuel ongoing debates about the legality of these operations, including concerns over whether the targeted vessels posed an immediate threat.
According to media reports, the Trump administration has defended the series of strikes. In a letter to Congress, the Pentagon asserted that President Trump had determined the United States is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels designated as terrorist organisations, thereby classifying their smugglers as “unlawful combatants”.
However, as previously reported, skepticism persists even within conservative circles. In at least one prior case, a vessel targeted by US forces had already begun turning away before being struck, prompting questions about whether it represented an imminent threat to the United States or its personnel.
During a White House event on Tuesday alongside Argentinian President Javier Milei, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent referenced the strikes while underscoring the value of international cooperation. He said, “We're using our economic strength to create peace. It is much better to form an economic bridge with our allies, people who want to do the right thing, than have to shoot at Narco gun boats.”
Trump also released an unclassified video clip capturing footage of the most recent strike, providing visual confirmation of the operation.
Also Read: US, Venezuela on edge as tensions escalate in Caribbean
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