Venezuelan vessel cropped by US forces after allegations of drug smuggling, leading to the demise of three individuals
The US military carried out a strike on a small boat in international waters on September 2, according to an announcement by President Donald Trump. The boat was accused of trafficking drugs, and at least three men on board were reportedly killed in the attack.
Trump claimed that the vessel was transporting illegal drugs from Venezuela, labelling those aboard as "drug terrorists." He also stated that the strike was ordered as part of an ongoing anti-drug operation, with US warships and F-35 fighters deployed to the area.
The location of the strike was not specified, but the boat was reportedly moving along a known narcotrafficking passage. The President did not mention if the strike took place within the US Southern Command's area of responsibility.
The strike marks the third such operation by the US against alleged drug-smuggling vessels originating from Venezuela. Previously, the US had carried out two similar strikes.
Venezuela swiftly responded to the news, accusing the US of waging an "undeclared war" in the Caribbean. No information was provided about any potential response from the Venezuelan government.
Trump shared a minute-long aerial footage showing the vessel being struck and ablaze in the water. The information about the number of casualties, 11 people, comes from Al Jazeera.
It is important to note that no US Forces were harmed in this strike. The US government continues to maintain its stance against drug trafficking, particularly in the Caribbean region.
This development comes amidst ongoing tensions between the US and Venezuela, with the US supporting opposition leader Juan Guaidó in his efforts to oust President Nicolás Maduro. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected in the coming days.
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