U.S. Military Conducts Third Fatal Strike on Alleged Drug Smuggling Vessel
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the U.S. military has carried out its third fatal strike against an alleged drug smuggling vessel this month.
Trump stated in a social media post that the strike resulted in three fatalities and targeted a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization involved in narcotics trafficking in the USSOUTHCOM area.
The exact location of the strike was not disclosed, and the Pentagon referred inquiries to the White House, which did not provide further details about the vessel.
“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking illicit narcotics, posing a threat to Americans,” Trump mentioned in his post.
A video shared by Trump showed the moment of the strike, with missiles hitting the vessel causing a fiery explosion.
White House communications director Steven Cheung commented, “It was at this moment, the narcoterrorists knew they screwed up.”
Earlier this month, Trump announced similar strikes on drug-carrying vessels, including one from Venezuela and another linked to the Tren de Aragua gang.
The administration defended the military actions as necessary to combat drug trafficking into the U.S., but concerns have been raised about the legality and use of military force for law enforcement purposes.
The U.S. has increased maritime presence in the Caribbean, signaling a shift in anti-drug trafficking strategies.
Speculation in Venezuela suggests the strikes may be targeting President Nicolás Maduro, a claim echoed by Maduro himself.
Maduro criticized the U.S., alleging that drug trafficking accusations are a pretext for regime change efforts through military operations.
AP writers Regina Garcia Cano in Güiria, Venezuela, and Konstatin Toropin contributed reporting.
Originally Published:
