President Donald Trump announced a second U.S. military strike on a vessel he claimed was carrying cocaine and fentanyl from Venezuela toward the United States.
The operation, conducted in international waters, killed three men and left “big bags of cocaine and fentanyl” floating in the ocean, Trump told reporters. He said no U.S. forces were harmed and warned traffickers that the U.S. is “hunting” anyone moving drugs that can harm Americans.
Legal and Political Disputes
The strike follows an earlier Sept. 2 attack that killed 11 people. Trump has classified drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move his administration argues allows the military to use lethal force usually reserved for counterterrorism. Critics, including Republican Sen. Rand Paul, question whether such actions are lawful or amount to war crimes. The White House has not publicly shared its legal justification.
Unclear Details and International Reactions
Video posted by Trump shows a small boat exploding in black smoke, though officials have not confirmed whether a drone carried out the strike. Venezuela’s interior minister denied the crew were traffickers or part of the Tren de Aragua gang. Earlier this month, U.S. personnel boarded another Venezuelan fishing boat but found no contraband.
Military Buildup in the Region
Trump has increased U.S. military presence near Venezuela, deploying eight Navy ships, 10 F-35 fighter jets, and at least one MQ-9 Reaper drone. His counterterrorism adviser said the terrorist designation of cartels “opens up options” for the military, signaling more potential strikes ahead.
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