In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the United States military conducted a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel off the coast of Venezuela on Friday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation on social media, sharing a video that captured the moment the boat was engulfed in flames. Hegseth described the targets as ‘narco-terrorists’ transporting substantial quantities of narcotics destined for the US, emphasizing that such strikes would continue until threats to American citizens are neutralized. This marks at least the fourth such operation, with a cumulative death toll of 21. The Trump administration has framed these actions as part of an ‘armed conflict’ against drug cartels, designating them as terrorist organizations and labeling their members as ‘unlawful combatants.’ However, critics argue that the US has not provided concrete evidence to justify the strikes, and legal experts contend that such summary killings may violate international law. The latest strike has further strained US-Venezuela relations, already tense due to the deployment of American warships and fighter jets in the region. Venezuelan officials have condemned the incursions as provocative and a threat to national security, while the US maintains its actions are aimed at combating drug trafficking. The situation remains volatile, with both nations on high alert.
US kills four in new attack on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean
