Overview

• The White House reported a second kinetic strike in international waters that killed three presumed Venezuelan traffickers, with no U.S. casualties.
• Washington previously said an earlier Sept. 2 operation sank a fast boat linked to Tren de Aragua, leaving 11 dead.
• Trump told reporters U.S. forces have actually taken out three vessels, a figure not corroborated with details by the Pentagon.
• Caracas denounced the actions as aggression, urged investigations, showcased a separate 3,600 kg cocaine seizure, and expanded militia and border deployments.
• The campaign follows a large SOUTHCOM buildup including warships, a submarine, surveillance aircraft and F‑35s in Puerto Rico, as lawyers and regional leaders question the legal basis and evidence.