On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered a stern warning to drug traffickers operating in the Caribbean, stating that they will face the same fate as eleven members of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization. These members were killed following a U.S. military strike on a vessel that had departed from Venezuela.
The operation, authorized by President Donald Trump, took place in international waters and resulted in the destruction of a boat suspected of transporting drugs to Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean destinations. Trump shared a video on his social media platform, Truth Social, showing the moment the vessel was struck and sunk.
Hegseth emphasized the precision of the strike, dismissing claims by Venezuelan Minister of Communications Freddy Ñáñez, who argued the footage was manipulated using artificial intelligence. "We knew exactly who was on that ship and who they represented: Tren de Aragua, attempting to poison our country with illicit drugs," Hegseth asserted.
In an interview with Fox, the Pentagon chief announced that this operation signals a "new era" in the fight against cartels, with the U.S. maintaining warships in the Caribbean to continue operations. "This is a serious and lethal mission for us, and it will not end with this attack," he warned.
Escalating Tensions in the Caribbean
The military offensive is part of a strategy unveiled by Trump last month, which includes deploying multiple ships in waters near Venezuela as part of an anti-drug trafficking campaign. This move has been condemned by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who labeled it an "extravagant, immoral, and criminal threat," and responded by deploying drones and warships along the Venezuelan coast.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Tuesday that U.S. military forces conducted a "lethal" strike in the southern Caribbean on a drug-laden ship originating from Venezuela, operated by an organization designated as "narcoterrorist" by Washington.
This operation is a part of Washington's "zero tolerance" strategy against drug trafficking, especially targeting criminal organizations accused of receiving protection from the Maduro regime.
Understanding U.S. Anti-Narcotics Operations in the Caribbean
What recent action has the U.S. taken against drug traffickers in the Caribbean?
The U.S. conducted a military strike on a vessel associated with the Tren de Aragua criminal group, which was transporting drugs from Venezuela.
How did President Trump respond to the drug trafficking issue in the Caribbean?
President Trump authorized military action and shared footage of the operation on his social media platform, showcasing the U.S.'s commitment to combatting drug trafficking.
How has Venezuela reacted to the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean?
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the U.S. actions as a threat and responded by deploying drones and warships along the coast.