The Pentagon conducted a raid on a ship believed to be linked to the Torren de Aragua (TdA) drug smuggling operation in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of six individuals referred to as “narco-terrorists,” according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth stated that the vessel was engaged in “illegal drug smuggling” while navigating established drug trafficking routes.
This marked the tenth operation by U.S. forces since the initiative started in early September, and notably, it was the first to occur in international waters during nighttime. Thankfully, there were no injuries to U.S. personnel involved.
“For those involved in narcotics trafficking in our region, we deal with them like we would with al-Qaeda,” Hegseth remarked. “We continuously monitor your operations, track your movements, and eliminate the threat.”
He also shared a brief clip showing the boat being struck and set ablaze. Earlier this year, the U.S. classified TdA, which has roots in Venezuela, as a foreign terrorist group.
Under directives from President Trump, the military continues to target suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and along Venezuela’s coast, with recent efforts extending to the eastern Pacific Ocean.
According to the Trump administration, these military actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 43 individuals since operations against suspected drug transporters commenced.
Two airstrikes executed earlier this week against suspected drug vessels in the eastern Pacific led to the deaths of five more “narco-terrorists.”
At this point, the government has not presented any tangible evidence verifying that the ships were involved in drug smuggling.
This strike operation is part of ongoing efforts to apply pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom U.S. officials, including Trump, consider an “illegitimate” leader.
The U.S. military has bolstered its presence in the Caribbean, with warships and around 10,000 troops engaged in counter-drug operations. Recently, Trump acknowledged that he had permitted the CIA to undertake covert actions in Venezuela.
Trump also suggested that military action could extend into Venezuela to target drug cartel infrastructure. He mentioned on Thursday that there was no immediate need to seek Congressional approval for military actions against the suspected cartel activities.
“I don’t think we need a declaration of war,” he stated. “We will simply eliminate those who are bringing drugs into our nation. We are going to kill them.”
This military initiative has drawn criticism from Congressional Democrats and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who argue that Congressional authorization is necessary and deem the airstrikes unlawful.
On Wednesday, Trump indicated that his administration might consult Congress for permission to target drug traffickers who operate over land. “If they come by land, we will respond decisively. They haven’t faced that yet, but we are ready,” he said, adding that he would likely inform Congress of their actions at the appropriate time.
