The U.S. military killed 11 people on Tuesday in a strike on a vessel allegedly carrying narcotics from Venezuela, President Donald Trump said.
It marks the first known operation since his administration deployed warships to the southern Caribbean.
Trump told reporters at the White House: “We just, over the last few minutes, literally shot out a boat, a drug-carrying boat, a lot of drugs in that boat. And there’s more where that came from. We have a lot of drugs pouring into our country, coming in for a long time … These came out of Venezuela.”
He later shared a video on Truth Social that appeared to show a speedboat exploding at sea. Trump said the strike killed 11 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, which Washington designated a terrorist group in February.
The U.S. accuses Tren de Aragua of operating under Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s control, a charge Caracas denies. Venezuela’s Communications Minister Freddy Ñáñez suggested the video Trump posted may have been AI-generated. Its initial checks showed no signs of manipulation, though further verification is ongoing.
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The Pentagon has not disclosed details about the drugs, quantities, or how the strike was carried out. The unusual decision to blow up the vessel rather than seize it has drawn criticism.
“Being suspected of carrying drugs doesn’t carry a death sentence,” said Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America.
The strike comes amid a major U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean. Seven warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and P-8 spy planes are operating in the region to disrupt drug cartels, according to officials.
Warships, including the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale, are part of the deployment, with capacity for helicopters and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
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Trump’s strong focus on Maduro has heightened fears in Caracas that Venezuela’s government may be the real target.
Last month, Washington doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, accusing him of drug trafficking links. Venezuelan officials insist Tren de Aragua was dismantled in a 2023 prison raid.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
