US President Donald Trump has announced another strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, claiming it was carrying drugs from Venezuela. The operation is part of his crackdown on cartels, which he alleges are backed by the Venezuelan government, a charge Caracas denies. Trump described the vessel as being operated by ‘positively identified, extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists,’ and reported three deaths as a result.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, the president shared a video of the strike, emphasizing the threat posed by these ‘narcoterrorists.’ He warned, ‘BE WARNED – IF YOU ARE TRANSPORTING DRUGS THAT CAN KILL AMERICANS, WE ARE HUNTING YOU!’ The operation follows a strike on September 2 that destroyed a similar vessel and killed 11 people, according to Trump.
The US has imposed sanctions on Venezuela during Trump’s first term and recently doubled its reward for information leading to President Nicolas Maduro’s arrest to $50 million. Maduro has denounced the US military buildup off Venezuela’s coast as part of a campaign to topple him. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said last week that the country is ready for a ‘prolonged war’ if a conflict breaks out.