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U.S. Strike on Suspected Drug Boat Near Venezuela Kills 11 as White House Vows More Operations

The attack showcases a new U.S. approach that treats selected cartels as foreign terrorist groups, allowing the military to use lethal force.

Image
Imagery captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites shows the U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima operating near two San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks—the USS San Antonio and the USS Fort Lauderdale—and an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer—presumed to be the USS Jason Dunham or the USS Gravely—on September 1, 2025, in the eastern Caribbean Sea.

Overview

  • President Donald Trump and Pentagon officials said a Navy strike destroyed a suspected go-fast vessel in international waters, killing 11 people the administration links to Tren de Aragua, though no public evidence has been provided.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said similar actions will continue, casting the effort as a campaign against designated narco‑terrorist organizations.
  • U.S. naval forces have shifted to the southern Caribbean in recent weeks, with multiple destroyers, a cruiser and amphibious ships supporting thousands of Marines positioned for sustained counternarcotics operations.
  • Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro rejected alleged ties to Tren de Aragua, questioned the strike video, mobilized troops and militias along the coast, and faces an increased $50 million U.S. reward for information leading to his arrest.
  • Criticism mounted over legality and rules of engagement, with Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro and rights advocate Kenneth Roth condemning the killing and Sen. Rand Paul arguing suspects should face trial rather than summary lethal force.