President Donald Trump has announced that U.S. military forces carried out a second strike on a vessel allegedly transporting narcotics from Venezuela. The operation, which took place on Monday, left three men dead.
Trump revealed the news on Truth Social, stressing that the action targeted what he described as “extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists” operating in international waters. He said the boat was confirmed to be carrying illegal drugs headed for the United States.
The announcement comes just two weeks after another U.S. strike on a Venezuelan vessel that reportedly killed 11 people. That earlier operation sparked debate in Washington, with Democratic senators questioning the legality of using military force against suspected traffickers at sea.
Senator Tim Kaine and several colleagues argued that the administration failed to provide a valid legal basis for the attack, noting that the military is not typically tasked with law enforcement. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island voiced similar concerns, warning against setting a precedent.
The Trump administration, however, has defended its actions by invoking self-defense and national security. Officials maintain that the group involved, the Tren de Aragua, has been officially designated as a terrorist organization.
Trump has vowed to continue operations of this kind, insisting that cartels are responsible for devastating consequences in American communities. He also shared video footage of the latest strike, which showed the vessel erupting into flames after being hit.
Meanwhile, the strike coincides with Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom, where he and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to sign a major nuclear energy deal.
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