In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the United States has conducted its fifth military strike on a vessel accused of drug trafficking off the coast of Venezuela. President Donald Trump announced the strike on Truth Social, claiming the boat was linked to “narcoterrorist” networks and was transporting narcotics. The attack resulted in the deaths of six individuals, bringing the total fatalities from such operations to 27 since September. However, the US has yet to provide concrete evidence or details about the identities of the vessels or those on board. The strike has drawn criticism from legal experts and neighboring countries, with accusations that the US is violating international law. Trump defended the action, stating that intelligence confirmed the vessel’s involvement in drug smuggling and its association with illicit networks. He also shared an aerial surveillance video showing the boat being struck by a missile. The strike aligns with a recent leaked memo to Congress, which framed the US as being in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels. This classification potentially justifies the use of wartime powers, including lethal force against suspected traffickers. Critics argue that the strikes are part of a broader political strategy to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been accused of involvement in drug trafficking. The US has also deployed warships to the Caribbean, further intensifying tensions in the region. Maduro has vehemently denied the allegations, and Venezuelan officials have questioned the authenticity of the footage shared by Trump. The situation underscores the complex interplay between anti-narcotics efforts and geopolitical maneuvering in Latin America.