describing it as a recent escalation following the deployment of U.S. warships to the southern Caribbean. He said the boat was “drug-carrying” and that “there’s more where that came from,” noting that drugs have long been entering the U.S. from the region. Trump also posted a drone-captured video on Truth Social showing a speedboat exploding at sea.

Trump characterized the dead as “11 terrorists,” and stated that no U.S. forces were harmed. He identified the crew as members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which the U.S. designated a terrorist organization in February and alleged to be controlled by Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, a claim Caracas denies.

The Venezuelan Communications Ministry did not immediately respond. Pentagon officials have not released details about the attack, including drug type, quantity, or how the strike was executed. The decision to destroy the vessel rather than seize it and apprehend the crew is unusual and reminiscent of counterterrorism operations against groups like al Qaeda.

In recent weeks, the U.S. has deployed several warships to the southern Caribbean, with more than 4,500 sailors and Marines in the region. The force includes ships such as USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale, some capable of deploying helicopters and Tomahawk missiles. U.S. P-8 surveillance aircraft have been flying over international waters to gather intelligence.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the drugs were likely headed to Trinidad or another Caribbean country. Rubio stressed that the administration intends to pursue drug cartels aggressively. Maduro’s government has warned that Maduro is not the target, while the U.S. has recently increased rewards for information leading to Maduro’s arrest. Venezuela says Tren de Aragua is no longer active following a 2023 prison raid. (kaieteurnewsonline)