The United States government announced on Friday that a suspected drug boat was sunk off the coast of Venezuela during a military operation ordered by President Donald Trump, resulting in the deaths of four alleged drug traffickers. "This morning, under President Trump's order, I directed a lethal kinetic strike against a drug-trafficking vessel linked to designated terrorist organizations," Secretary of War Pete Hegseth shared on the social media platform X.
"Four male narco-terrorists were killed in the attack, and no U.S. forces were harmed," he elaborated. The strike occurred in international waters, within the area overseen by U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), off the Venezuelan coast, as the vessel was reportedly carrying a substantial load of narcotics bound for the United States.
"Our intelligence unequivocally confirmed that this vessel was trafficking drugs. The individuals on board were narco-terrorists operating along a well-known illicit trafficking route," stated Hegseth. The official warned that such actions will persist "until attacks against the American people cease."
This marks at least the fourth assault on drug boats this year, amid a growing and controversial military campaign that Washington defends as part of its "zero tolerance" policy against drug trafficking and transnational terrorism. Meanwhile, countries in the region view it as a threat, accusing Trump of potentially conducting extrajudicial executions of local fishermen.
Authorities have not disclosed the nationality of the deceased or clarified whether the sunken boat originated from Venezuelan territory. Venezuela, which has denied any involvement in international drug trafficking operations, has yet to issue a public response to the incident.
Key Questions About U.S. Military Actions Against Drug Boats
What prompted the U.S. to sink the drug boat?
The U.S. government took action based on intelligence that linked the vessel to drug trafficking activities and designated terrorist organizations.
How many similar operations have been conducted this year?
This operation marks at least the fourth attack on suspected drug boats in the current year.
What is Venezuela's official stance on the incident?
Venezuela has not yet publicly responded to the incident and denies any involvement in international drug trafficking.