The United States has repatriated two survivors of a military strike targeting a suspected drug-smuggling submarine in the Caribbean, according to an announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The operation, which Trump described as part of a campaign to disrupt narcotrafficking routes, reportedly killed two individuals and destroyed a semi-submersible vessel allegedly carrying fentanyl and other drugs.
Trump shared a 30-second video on his Truth Social platform showing the vessel being struck by a projectile. He claimed the submarine was en route to the U.S. via a known trafficking corridor. "Two of the terrorists were killed," Trump stated, referring to the suspects. "The two surviving terrorists are being returned to their countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia, for detention and prosecution."
Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed the repatriation of one suspect, emphasizing that the individual "will be prosecuted according to the law." Ecuador’s government had not commented at the time of reporting. The strike marks the latest in a series of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean since September, with at least six vessels targeted and 27 fatalities reported previously.
Legal experts and U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns over the strikes’ adherence to international law. The operations coincide with a significant U.S. military buildup in the region, including guided missile destroyers and 6,500 troops, escalating tensions with Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denied involvement in drug trafficking and accused the U.S. of using the strikes as a pretext for regime change.
Venezuela’s UN ambassador recently petitioned the Security Council to condemn the strikes as violations of sovereignty. The developments unfold amid heightened regional instability, with Trump disclosing CIA covert operations in Venezuela earlier this week.
