The United States revealed on Friday that it had sunk a vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking while it was navigating international waters within the jurisdiction of the Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). According to information from the White House, three men identified as "narcoterrorists" were killed in the operation, with no casualties reported among U.S. forces.
Former President Donald Trump described the incident as a "lethal kinetic strike" against a ship linked to a terrorist organization. Intelligence services confirmed that the vessel was transporting illicit drugs along a notorious smuggling route aimed at "poisoning Americans."
"Intelligence services confirmed that the ship was trafficking illicit narcotics and was on a known drug smuggling route intended to poison Americans. The strike resulted in the deaths of three male narcoterrorists on board, who were in international waters," Trump stated.
The operation was reportedly executed under a direct order from Trump: "At my direction, the Secretary of Defense ordered" the strike on the vessel. The announcement also carried a stern warning to those involved in trafficking fentanyl and other drugs, as well as committing acts of violence and terrorism against U.S. citizens: "Stop selling fentanyl, narcotics, and illegal drugs in the United States, and stop committing acts of violence and terrorism against Americans!"
The report from Trump did not specify the vessel's flag or its precise location, only noting that it was in international waters and within SOUTHCOM's geographic jurisdiction. No further material damage or arrests related to the operation were reported.
The Southern Command is the U.S. military's combatant command that covers 31 countries across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. These events unfold amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela following the deployment of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean Sea, with the stated goal of combating drug trafficking.
The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro of heading the so-called Cartel of the Suns and has placed a $50 million bounty for information leading to his capture, an allegation the Venezuelan government denies.
This past Tuesday, Trump asserted that U.S. military forces had sunk three vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities in the Caribbean Sea, originating from Venezuela. "We took down ships. In fact, it was three ships, not two as you might have seen," the President declared from the White House before departing on a state visit to the United Kingdom.
Last week, Venezuela's government accused a U.S. destroyer of illegally boarding a Venezuelan vessel with nine fishermen on board, in waters that Caracas considers part of its territory. Meanwhile, Maduro warned that communications with Washington were "broken" and asserted that Venezuela is "better prepared" for any potential "armed conflict."
Key Questions About U.S. Military Operations in the Caribbean
What prompted the U.S. to sink the vessel?
The vessel was targeted because it was allegedly involved in drug trafficking and was linked to a terrorist organization, according to U.S. intelligence.
Were there any American casualties in the operation?
No casualties were reported among U.S. forces as a result of the operation.
How is the Southern Command involved in these operations?
The Southern Command is responsible for overseeing U.S. military operations in the region, including those aimed at combating drug trafficking in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.