On Monday, the White House defended the legality of its military strikes targeting suspected drug boats from Venezuela and its surrounding waters. This statement follows a report from the Washington Post, which revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered a second attack on a vessel to eliminate survivors. Military experts have raised concerns about the legality of these strikes, prompting lawmakers to demand greater transparency regarding the lethal operations that are frequently announced via social media by President Trump or Hegseth. To date, these attacks have resulted in the deaths of dozens of individuals.
These military operations are part of a broader pressure campaign aimed at Venezuela and its President, Nicolás Maduro. Amidst escalating tensions, the U.S. has ramped up its military presence in the region. In mid-August, the U.S. dispatched warships, spy planes, fighter jets, bombers, and drones to the waters off the coast of Venezuela. This military buildup coincided with the U.S. increasing the bounty on Maduro due to his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
Here’s a detailed overview of the military strikes that have occurred:
The Pentagon conducted its first precision strike against a drug vessel associated with a designated narco-terrorist organization on September 2. President Trump shared a video claiming the strike resulted in the deaths of 11 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua cartel. Reports indicate that the initial strike ignited the boat, leaving two survivors who were subsequently targeted in a second strike ordered by Hegseth. While Hegseth denied the report, Trump expressed confidence in his actions.
Following the initial strike, a series of attacks were executed:
Strike 2: On September 15, a strike killed three individuals allegedly involved in transporting illegal narcotics (total reported deaths: 14). Strike 3: On September 19, another operation killed three male narcoterrorists (total reported deaths: 17). Strike 4: An October 3 strike resulted in four deaths (total reported deaths: 21). Strike 5: On October 14, Trump stated that six individuals were killed in international waters (total reported deaths: 27). Strike 6: An October 16 attack on a drug-carrying submarine resulted in two deaths, marking the first incident with known survivors (total reported deaths: 29). Strike 7: On October 17, three men linked to the Colombian insurgent group Ejército de Liberación Nacional were killed (total reported deaths: 32). Strike 8: Two narco-terrorists were killed on October 22 (total reported deaths: 34). Strike 9: Another strike on October 22 claimed three more lives (total reported deaths: 37). Strike 10: Hegseth announced a tenth strike on October 29, resulting in six deaths, asserting that the boat was operated by Tren de Aragua (total reported deaths: 43).The strikes continued into late October and November, with further operations claiming additional lives:
Strike 11-13: On October 28, three strikes against four boats resulted in 14 deaths (total reported deaths: 57). Strike 14: Hegseth reported four deaths from a strike on October 29 (total reported deaths: 61). Strike 15: On November 1, a vessel in the Caribbean was hit, resulting in three deaths (total reported deaths: 64). Strike 16: Hegseth announced another strike on November 4, killing two individuals (total reported deaths: 66). Strike 17: On November 6, three individuals were killed in another operation (total reported deaths: 69). Strikes 18-19: Hegseth announced that six individuals were killed after two vessels were destroyed (total reported deaths: 75). Strike 20: The U.S. struck a drug transport vessel on November 10, leading to four deaths (total reported deaths: 79). Strike 21: On November 16, a strike by Joint Task Force Southern Spear resulted in three deaths (total reported deaths: 82).The ongoing military strikes aimed at combating drug trafficking from Venezuela have sparked significant debate regarding their legality and effectiveness. As the situation unfolds, the U.S. government continues to assert its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks that pose a threat to national security. The implications of these operations extend beyond immediate military objectives, as they also reflect the complicated dynamics of U.S.-Venezuela relations.