The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, announced on Thursday that the US military had launched a precise strike on a drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea, ultimately sinking it. According to Hegseth, the vessel was engaged in drug trafficking activities in the Caribbean Sea and was targeted by the US military in international waters. The ship, operated by a group designated as a “terrorist organization” by the US, had three “drug terrorist militants” on board, all of whom were eliminated in the operation.
This action was carried out in accordance with the directives of President Trump, with no casualties among the US military personnel involved. This marks the 17th operation targeting drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific since September, resulting in over 60 suspected traffickers losing their lives.
Hegseth issued a warning, emphasizing that the US military will continue to combat drug-trafficking vessels until the illicit flow of drugs into the US comes to an end. He reiterated the commitment to eliminate threats posed by drug terrorists, stating, “To all drug terrorists threatening our homeland: if you want to live, stop smuggling drugs.”
Starting from August this year, the US military has intensified its presence in the coastal waters of South America. These operations have further escalated tensions between the US and Venezuela, with President Trump accusing Venezuela of being involved in drug smuggling to the US.
The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of supporting domestic drug groups in Venezuela, a claim Maduro denies. Venezuelan officials have characterized the US actions as provocative.