Overview

• Trump said the target was a vessel linked to a designated terrorist organization that U.S. intelligence assessed was transporting illicit drugs in international waters.
• A one-minute clip released by the White House and authenticated by Reuters shows a blue boat under weapons sight destroyed by a projectile.
• U.S. officials reported no American casualties from the operation, which follows earlier actions this month that reportedly produced higher death tolls.
• Caracas labeled the campaign a “war not declared,” filed diplomatic complaints, and staged military exercises as regional concern over escalation persisted.
• U.S. senators and human rights groups questioned the legal basis and public evidence for the lethal counternarcotics missions, while Trump separately warned of “incalculable” consequences if Venezuela rejects deportee returns.