President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday a deadly strike against a vessel allegedly linked to drug trafficking near the coasts of Venezuela, resulting in six fatalities. The operation was carried out under direct orders from the Department of Defense, with Trump exercising his authority as commander-in-chief.
"Early this morning, the Secretary of Defense ordered a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) operating within the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility, right off the coast of Venezuela," Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social.
The vessel was identified through intelligence as part of a drug trafficking network linked to narco-terrorist organizations and was traveling along a known illegal trafficking route. The attack took place in international waters, according to U.S. officials.
"Six male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the strike. No U.S. forces were injured," the president added. "Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he concluded.
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and the Marine Corps recently confirmed the presence of special units in the region. Through its official account, SOUTHCOM shared images of Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conducting low-visibility operations in the Caribbean Sea as part of missions directed by the Department of Defense and aligned with the White House's priorities.
"You may not see us, but we see you," the military command posted, reaffirming its strategic deployment in the Caribbean.
This strike comes amid increasing U.S. military pressure on drug trafficking routes in the Western Hemisphere. Washington has bolstered its naval and aerial presence in the Caribbean and South America, particularly in areas where groups considered terrorist by U.S. authorities operate.
Although the Venezuelan government has not officially commented on the incident, the operation underscores the Trump administration's more aggressive stance in its second term, claiming intervention against organized crime networks.
Impact of U.S. Military Actions near Venezuela
What was the target of the U.S. strike off Venezuela's coast?
The U.S. targeted a vessel allegedly linked to drug trafficking and affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization, operating near Venezuela.
How did President Trump describe the operation?
President Trump described the operation as a lethal kinetic strike ordered by the Department of Defense, highlighting its execution in international waters without any U.S. casualties.
What is the U.S. military's strategic focus in the Caribbean?
The U.S. military focuses on exerting pressure on drug trafficking routes, enhancing its naval and aerial capabilities to counteract groups considered terrorists by U.S. authorities.