U.S. Military Carries Out Third Strike Against Drug Smuggling Vessel

Credit: Alex Brandon/AP

WASHINGTON — In a significant escalation, President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the U.S. military has conducted its third fatal strike this month against a vessel suspected of drug smuggling.

According to Trump, the recent military action resulted in the deaths of three individuals aboard a craft linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization involved in narcotrafficking operations within the USSOUTHCOM area. Specific details on the location of the strike were not disclosed.

Pentagon Remains Silent on Details

Questions regarding the strike were redirected from the Pentagon to the White House, which has not clarified where the vessel originated. Trump stated the vessel was confirmed to be involved in trafficking illegal narcotics.

Recent military efforts highlight a shift in U.S. tactics to combat drug trafficking in the region. On September 2, a separate strike reportedly killed 11 individuals on a boat linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, identified as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. earlier this year.

Video Evidence and Political Reactions

Trump shared a video of the latest strike, showcasing a vessel speeding across the water before being hit by missiles and ultimately sinking in flames. White House communications director Steven Cheung commented, “It was at this moment, the narcoterrorists knew they screwed up.”

Critics, including senators from both parties and human rights organizations, express concern over the legality of these military actions. There are fears of executive overreach, particularly in using the military for law enforcement purposes.

The Trump administration has not provided clear insight into how military personnel assessed the vessel’s cargo or the passenger’s affiliations prior to these military actions. Notably, the first boat targeted reportedly changed course before being attacked multiple times.

Concerns Over Motivations and Strategy

This series of strikes comes amid a buildup of U.S. maritime forces in the Caribbean and has prompted speculation regarding the true intentions behind the operations. Some analysts suggest a strategy aimed at undermining Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, an accusation that Maduro himself has echoed, claiming the U.S. may seek regime change by leveraging drug trafficking narratives.

In a recent outburst, Maduro asserted that the U.S. video released by Trump was manipulated and that a vessel of that size could not operate in international waters.

Conclusion

The recent military engagements mark a contentious chapter in U.S. foreign policy, as questions linger about legality, intent, and future implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations. As these events unfold, both domestic and international scrutiny will undoubtedly increase.

Published: 2025-09-20 13:11:00 | Source: www.npr.org