Overview

• President Donald Trump said a second strike on Sept. 15 killed three men in international waters and posted a short unclassified clip showing the vessel exploding and burning.
• Trump asserted the ocean was left with bags of cocaine and fentanyl but provided no public proof, and the Pentagon has not detailed any seized drugs, quantities, or the weapons used.
• The move follows a Sept. 2 strike the administration says killed 11 people linked to Tren de Aragua, an operation Venezuela labels aggression and denies involved cartel members.
• Officials signal a broader campaign, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowing to “track” and “kill” traffickers, F‑35s and multiple warships deployed, and the president hinting at possible land operations.
• Legal and oversight challenges are growing, with Sen. Adam Schiff drafting a War Powers resolution and human-rights groups questioning the strikes’ legality, as a report also notes Trump announced a third attack and the U.S. reported a provocative flyby by Venezuelan aircraft.