The US military executed another targeted strike on a vessel operating in the Caribbean, identified as a “narco-trafficking vessel,” on Friday morning. This announcement was made by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth via a social media post. According to Hegseth, the strike resulted in the deaths of all four individuals aboard the vessel.
This attack marks at least the fourth known US military strike in the Caribbean since the beginning of September. Each strike has targeted vessels that the administration claims are “affiliated” with drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations in recent months. Hegseth stated that, at the direction of President Trump, he authorized this “lethal, kinetic strike” on a narco-trafficking vessel situated within the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility.
The military strike occurred in international waters just off the coast of Venezuela, a move that could potentially escalate tensions between the US and the Venezuelan regime. In response, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on Tuesday that he is preparing to declare a state of emergency to safeguard his nation against possible US military actions.
While Hegseth did not specify which terrorist organization the alleged narco-traffickers were affiliated with, he asserted that “our intelligence, without a doubt, confirmed that this vessel was trafficking narcotics.” He described the individuals on board as “narco-terrorists” operating on a known narco-trafficking transit route. Hegseth claimed the boat was “transporting substantial amounts of narcotics - headed to America to poison our people.”
The administration has previously justified similar strikes, arguing they were necessary to prevent drugs from reaching US soil. However, reports indicate that at least one vessel targeted by the US military last month had turned around prior to the strike, raising questions about whether it posed an imminent threat. Following the initial strike on September 2, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that the vessel was likely headed toward Trinidad or another Caribbean location.
Legal experts and lawmakers from both political parties have voiced concerns regarding the legality of these military actions. In a recent letter to Congress, the Pentagon stated that Trump has determined the US is in an “armed conflict” with the drug cartels classified as terrorist organizations. This classification indicates that smugglers for these cartels are considered “unlawful combatants.” Such a description suggests that the strikes are part of an ongoing campaign rather than isolated incidents of self-defense.
In his post on X, Hegseth emphasized that “these strikes will continue until the attacks on the American people are over!!!” As this situation evolves, further updates will be provided to keep the public informed on the developments surrounding US military actions in the Caribbean.
