Overview

• Trump acknowledged a previously undisclosed third operation after two earlier strikes on September 2 and September 15, but offered no details on timing or location.
• The White House frames the actions as counter-narcotics targeting Venezuelan-linked traffickers, and Trump shared a 27‑second video of one strike he said killed three narcoterrorists.
• U.S. authorities have not released independent public evidence that the boats were traffickers or carried drugs, drawing scrutiny from reporters and legal concerns raised by Venezuela.
• Washington has reinforced the region with F‑35 fighters in Puerto Rico, at least eight warships, surveillance aircraft and a submarine, with thousands of U.S. personnel deployed.
• Caracas has suspended dialogue with Washington, labeled the strikes unlawful, called up reservists and militia, and ordered roughly 25,000 troops to border states as experts warn of escalation risks.