President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States targeted a submarine "loaded with drugs" in the Caribbean Sea. This vessel, he stated, was specially designed to transport large quantities of narcotics. "We struck a submarine, a drug-laden submarine, specifically built to carry massive amounts of drugs," the President declared at the White House when questioned by reporters about recent U.S. naval operations in the area.
"To clarify, it wasn't a group of innocent people. I don't know many who own submarines, and this was an attack on a drug-filled submarine," he added.
Local media sources reported that the operation took place on Thursday night, near the Venezuelan coast, under the coordination of the United States Southern Command. Two crew members reportedly survived the attack and are currently in U.S. custody, according to EFE news agency.
This announcement comes as Washington intensifies its anti-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific. On the same Thursday, the U.S. Southern Command carried out its sixth known operation against a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean Sea, close to Venezuela's shores.
The attack marked the first confirmation of survivors. Since the start of this military offensive, at least 27 individuals have perished in five prior attacks in waters near Venezuela. Although U.S. authorities have not disclosed the number of occupants, injuries, or survivors, the information was confirmed by officials to media outlets such as CBS News and agencies like Reuters and EFE. The Pentagon has not issued an immediate comment on the operation.
Since August, the Southern Command has deployed ships and aircraft with the aim of curbing drug trafficking, an action that has increased tensions with the government of Nicolás Maduro, which views these movements as a precursor to military intervention.
Trump, who recently authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations, also mentioned considering ground actions, stating that naval efforts "have crippled the maritime drug trade." This operation represents a new chapter in the U.S. military strategy in the Caribbean and adds another layer of uncertainty to the already strained relations with Caracas.
Key Questions About U.S. Military Operations in the Caribbean
What was the purpose of the U.S. attack on the submarine?
The U.S. attacked the submarine because it was specially constructed to transport large quantities of drugs, as part of its intensified anti-narcotics operations in the region.
How many people survived the attack on the submarine?
Two crew members survived the attack and are currently under the custody of U.S. authorities.
Why has the operation increased tensions with Venezuela?
The operation has heightened tensions with Venezuela because the Venezuelan government sees these military maneuvers as potential precursors to a U.S. military intervention.