U.S. Strike Sinks Venezuelan Vessel Carrying Drugs, 11 Reported Dead
Washington – The United States military has carried out a strike in the southern Caribbean that destroyed a Venezuelan vessel allegedly transporting narcotics. According to President Donald Trump, the operation killed 11 people and marked the first offensive move since American warships were deployed to the region.
Trump Announces Operation
Speaking at the White House, Trump confirmed that the target was a drug-laden speedboat. “We just, over the last few minutes, literally shot out a boat — a drug-carrying boat, a lot of drugs in that boat. And there’s more where that came from,” he said, emphasizing that the shipment originated in Venezuela.
Shortly after, Trump posted drone footage on his Truth Social account. The video appeared to show a vessel exploding at sea before catching fire.
Crew Linked to Terror-Listed Gang
Trump said those killed were identified as members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang labeled a terrorist group by Washington earlier this year. He again accused President Nicolás Maduro of controlling the network, a charge the Venezuelan government has consistently denied.
“The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action. No U.S. forces were harmed in this strike,” Trump added.
Officials in Caracas have not issued an immediate response.
Pentagon Silent on Details
The Pentagon has so far withheld specifics — including the type of narcotics on board, the amount seized, or the exact method used to execute the strike. Analysts note that destroying a suspected drug vessel rather than seizing it is rare, recalling tactics more commonly seen in counterterrorism campaigns against groups such as al-Qaeda.
Naval Presence in the Caribbean
The strike comes amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean. At least seven American warships, along with a nuclear-powered submarine, have been deployed or are en route, bringing more than 4,500 sailors and Marines to the region.
Among them are the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale — all capable of launching helicopters, drones, and, in some cases, Tomahawk cruise missiles. U.S. officials have also confirmed the use of P-8 surveillance aircraft to gather intelligence over international waters.
Possible Destination of Drugs
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the narcotics may have been bound for Trinidad or another Caribbean nation before reaching broader markets. “The president is going to be on the offense against drug cartels and drug trafficking in the United States,” Rubio told reporters.
Pressure on Maduro
The operation adds to rising tensions with Venezuela. Just weeks earlier, Washington doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, accusing him of direct links to drug trafficking.
Venezuelan authorities, however, insist that Tren de Aragua was dismantled in 2023 during a major prison raid and is no longer active in the country.
A New Phase in Anti-Drug Campaign
Tuesday’s strike is believed to be the first direct military action of its kind since Trump announced a tougher stance on drug smuggling from the Caribbean. While U.S. naval patrols in the region are routine, the current deployment is far larger, signaling an escalation in Washington’s efforts to curb both cartel activity and Venezuelan influence.