US Forces Strike Drug-Smuggling Vessel Linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua Gang
US President Donald Trump announced that American forces targeted a boat carrying illegal drugs to the United States, killing 11 alleged narcoterrorists associated with the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. Trump claimed the gang operates under the control of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
A video posted by Trump on his Truth Social platform showed an open-topped speedboat exploding at sea after the strike. According to Trump, the operation took place in international waters and no US personnel were harmed.
“Earlier this morning, on my orders, US Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua narcoterrorists,” Trump stated. He added the strike serves as a warning to anyone attempting to smuggle drugs into the United States.
US Response and Naval Deployment
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to use the “full might” of the United States to eradicate drug cartels. The strike follows a recent US naval deployment in Latin America, which includes eight warships in the Caribbean and Pacific, aimed at countering narcotics trafficking.
The incident escalates tensions between Washington and Caracas. President Maduro has condemned the US actions, describing the military presence as a threat and declaring a state of “maximum readiness” to defend Venezuela. Caracas has also appealed to the United Nations for intervention.
Analysts suggest the US strike is part of ongoing pressure on Maduro, whose leadership has faced criticism from Washington since Trump’s first term. The US has previously offered a $50 million bounty for Maduro’s capture, citing allegations of election fraud and human rights violations.
The situation highlights rising tensions in the region amid efforts to combat international drug trafficking.
