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1h ago

Trump Says U.S. Hit Another Boat Off Venezuela, Signals Pivot to Land

The administration casts the maritime strikes as a lawful counterterrorism campaign under armed‑conflict authorities.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, U.S., September 30, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS
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Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a press conference after addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 27, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
U.S. President Donald Trump visits Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. October 5, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Overview

  • U.S. officials say at least four strikes have been carried out in recent weeks, with at least 21 people killed and four boats destroyed near Venezuela.
  • Trump told sailors in Norfolk that another vessel was hit Saturday, though it was not clear if he was referring to the strike publicly announced on Friday.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he has every authorization needed for the operations, citing terrorist designations and a determination that cartels are unlawful combatants.
  • Russia condemned the October 3 strike in international waters and declared full support for Venezuela, warning of wider regional consequences.
  • Officials released strike video and asserted the boats carried narcotics, but they have not provided corroborating evidence, drawing criticism from the United Nations and legal experts over due process and legality.