Following direct orders from President Donald Trump, U.S. forces executed precise strikes against drug-laden vessels in international waters, resulting in the deaths of 11 members of the Tren de Aragua criminal group who were en route to the United States. This action, according to Trump, serves as a stark message to human traffickers that those attempting to smuggle harmful substances toward the U.S. coast will face severe repercussions.
“This morning, under my direction, the U.S. military conducted a targeted operation against Tren de Aragua narcoterrorists identified in the South Com area,” President Trump shared in a post. “The strike took place while these individuals were transporting illegal drugs at sea, heading towards our shores.”
The president included footage that depicted an aerial overview of a small boat, which dramatically exploded into flames around the 20-second mark before sinking rapidly.
He noted: “We eliminated 11 active terrorists with this operation. Importantly, there were no U.S. casualties.”
The White House reiterated Trump’s comments, adding, “Consider this a warning to anyone thinking of smuggling to the U.S. Be vigilant!”
During a press conference to discuss the attack, Trump warned reporters, “There’s more where that came from.” He specified that many of the drugs had originated from Venezuela.
“A significant amount is flowing out of Venezuela,” he remarked. “We intercepted it.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed, “We will combat the drug cartels that are inundating American streets and causing harm to Americans.”
In February, the U.S. State Department classified Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, as reported by Braibert Texas’ Ildefonso Ortiz. Subsequently, in July, the State Department stated that Nicolas Maduro is “not the rightful president of Venezuela,” but rather leads a narcoterrorist cartel that has “seized the country’s resources.”
On August 8, it was reported that President Trump had authorized military action against “specific Latin American drug cartels.”
This directive follows the U.S. government’s classification of Venezuela’s Cartel de los Sales as a terrorist organization. Reports suggest that this criminal group is led by Maduro, alongside key military and governmental figures within Venezuela.
It seems U.S. military action against drug cartels is now in motion.
