US Military Strike Sinks Drug-Smuggling Vessel Near Venezuela, Four Killed

US forces conducted a lethal strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat near Venezuela. The operation took place on Friday in international waters. Four people aboard the vessel were killed.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the action. He stated the strike targeted a narco-trafficking vessel affiliated with designated terrorist organizations. The operation was ordered by President Donald Trump.

Operation Details and Official Justification

The strike occurred off the Venezuelan coast. According to reports from the Associated Press, the vessel was on a known drug transit route. No US forces were harmed during the operation.

Defense Secretary Hegseth posted the details on social media. He said the action was based on confirmed intelligence about narcotics onboard. He described those killed as “narco-terrorists” transporting substantial drug quantities.

Broader US Campaign Against Drug Cartels

This event is part of a wider military campaign. President Trump recently declared US forces are in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. The administration views these groups as unlawful combatants and a national security threat.

Tensions with Venezuela’s government have escalated. The US has deployed multiple military vessels to the Caribbean Sea. This marks the second such strike in recent weeks, following another last month that killed three people on a similar vessel.

This latest military action signals a continued hardline approach. The US government is escalating its direct confrontation with drug traffickers. The Venezuela drug strike underscores a significant shift in anti-narcotics policy.

Thought you’d like to know

Where did the US military strike happen?

The strike was conducted in international waters. It occurred just off the coast of Venezuela. The vessel was on a known drug trafficking route.

Who ordered the strike on the vessel?

President Donald Trump ordered the military operation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the forces to carry out the strike. The action was described as a kinetic, lethal operation.

What was the reason given for the attack?

Officials said the vessel was carrying substantial narcotics. It was also affiliated with designated terrorist organizations. The goal was to prevent drugs from reaching the US.

How does this fit into US policy?

President Trump has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants. The US is now in an “armed conflict” with these groups. This strike is part of that broader military effort.

Has this happened before?

Yes, a similar strike occurred just last month. That operation also targeted a boat from Venezuela. Three people were killed in that earlier incident.