US Strike Kills 6 on Alleged Drug Boat Near Venezuela
The United States carried out a military strike on a vessel off the coast of Venezuela on October 14, killing six people. Washington described the target as a drug-carrying boat linked to narcotics networks. The operation was conducted in international waters.
Official Claims and Evidence
President Donald Trump said the vessel was part of narcoterrorist operations and claimed it was transporting illicit cargo. The Pentagon released a video showing a missile or drone strike on the boat. U.S. officials confirmed there were no American casualties, though they have not yet provided evidence confirming the presence of drugs on board.
Regional Reaction
The Venezuelan government condemned the strike, calling it an act of aggression and warning that it violated international law. Several Latin American nations and UN diplomats voiced concern about the legality of such unilateral actions, urging restraint to avoid escalation in the Caribbean.
Context of U.S. Operations
The strike was the fifth U.S. operation this year targeting vessels allegedly tied to drug trafficking in the Caribbean. It is part of Washington’s broader effort to disrupt drug routes and weaken criminal networks operating out of Venezuela and nearby regions.
