The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stated on Wednesday that military operations against drug trafficking groups will continue. This follows the US’s destruction of a drug trafficking ship from Venezuela, demonstrating preparedness for ongoing military actions in Latin America.
On Tuesday, the US military launched an attack on a Venezuelan vessel suspected of carrying illegal drugs, resulting in the death of 11 individuals. This marks the first known operation conducted since President Trump recently deployed warships to the Southern Caribbean.
The specifics of this strike, including its legal basis and the nature of drugs aboard the ship, have not been disclosed by the US military. However, Hegseth indicated that the operation will persist.
In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Hegseth emphasized the seriousness of the mission, stating, “We have strength in the air, strength at sea, and strength on our vessels, because this is an extremely grave task for us, and it will not stop with just this strike.”
He stressed that anyone engaged in drug trafficking in these waters and identified as drug terrorist elements will face a similar fate.
Regarding the execution of the strike, Hegseth declined to provide details, citing confidentiality. It remains unclear whether the ship was destroyed using drones, torpedoes, or other means.
Following the Tuesday attack, President Trump confirmed that the individuals aboard the ship belonged to the Venezuelan gang “Tren de Aragua,” which was designated as a terrorist organization by the US in February of this year.
The Pentagon has not released specific information about the personnel onboard the ship or explained the decision to eliminate them on the vessel.
Previous US presidents from both parties have asserted the authority to order limited military strikes when the US faces threats, similar to the action taken by Trump against Iran in June of this year.
The US military’s decision to destroy a suspected drug trafficking vessel passing through the Caribbean, rather than seizing the ship and apprehending its crew, is highly unusual, reminiscent of past US operations against terrorist groups like Al Qaeda.
In fulfillment of Trump’s commitment to combat drug trafficking groups, the US military has deployed warships in the Southern Caribbean in recent weeks.
Currently, seven warships and a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine have been deployed, with some already in the region and others en route, carrying over 4,500 sailors and Navy Marines.
Marines and sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit of the US Marine Corps are deployed in southern Puerto Rico, engaging in amphibious training and flight exercises in the area.