U.S. President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social on Tuesday that a military operation targeting a vessel allegedly involved in narcotrafficking near Venezuela's coast resulted in six fatalities. The strike occurred in international waters along a route U.S. intelligence identified as linked to "illegal narcoterrorist networks," according to Trump.
This marks the latest escalation in a series of U.S. counter-narcotics operations near Venezuela, bringing the total death toll to 27 since September. The Trump administration recently informed Congress it considers drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations to be "unlawful combatants" in a "non-international armed conflict," though specifics about targeted groups remain undisclosed.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemned the strikes, accusing Washington of exploiting anti-drug efforts to justify military expansion in Latin America and destabilize his government. Analysts suggest the operations highlight growing regional tensions over maritime security and sovereignty.
Business leaders and investors are monitoring potential impacts on shipping lanes and energy markets, while human rights advocates question the legal framework for lethal force against suspected traffickers. The incident underscores broader debates about cross-border security strategies in politically volatile regions.
