Overview

• President Trump released video of a Navy missile destroying a suspected go-fast drug boat off Venezuela, an attack officials and experts say is the first of its kind, with most operational details classified.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said similar actions will continue, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed the U.S. will wage war on narco‑terrorist organizations.
• The shift to lethal force follows Trump’s February move designating groups such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua as foreign terrorist organizations, providing the legal basis for military targeting.
• Criticism mounted from abroad and at home, with Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro and human-rights figures calling the strike unlawful and Sen. Rand Paul arguing suspects should face trial.
• U.S. destroyers, a cruiser and amphibious ships with Marines remain positioned near Venezuela; Maduro denies ties to Tren de Aragua, has mobilized forces, and faces a $50 million U.S. reward tied to longstanding narcotics charges.