In a recent escalation of military operations in the Caribbean, the Trump administration has confirmed its fifth airstrike in the region since early September. The latest strike, conducted on October 14, 2025, targeted a vessel off the Venezuelan coast, resulting in the deaths of six individuals described by the U.S. as narcoterrorists. Former President Donald Trump announced the operation on social media, asserting that it was carried out under his authority as Commander-in-Chief. He claimed the strike targeted a boat linked to a ‘Designated Terrorist Organization’ and occurred in international waters, with no U.S. casualties reported. However, Trump provided no concrete evidence to substantiate claims that the vessel was involved in drug trafficking. The attack follows a series of similar U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, including strikes on September 2, 15, 19, and October 3, bringing the total reported death toll to 27. Critics and human rights organizations have condemned these operations, arguing they violate international law, as suspected drug traffickers are not classified as combatants. The Trump administration has defended the strikes as part of a broader campaign against ‘narco-terrorists,’ with the White House recently informing Congress that the U.S. is engaged in a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels, labeling them as ‘unlawful combatants.’ The strikes coincide with increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and heightened tensions with Venezuela. Trump has also accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of sending criminal gangs, including the Tren de Aragua, into the United States, though no evidence has been provided to support these allegations.