U.S. Targets Drug Trafficking in Venezuela

In recent months, the United States has intensified its efforts to combat drug trafficking and related illegal activities in the Western Hemisphere, with a notable focus on Venezuela. President Trump has been vocal about launching airstrikes against what he deems “narco-terrorist” ships, with the latest strike occurring on Tuesday.

According to a report on Truth Social, the War Department conducted an airstrike on a vessel off the Venezuelan coast, resulting in the death of its crew.

“The message is clear: If you traffic drugs to our shores, we will stop you in the cold,” the President stated in his post.

“This morning, under my ongoing authority as Commander-in-Chief, the Secretary of the Army ordered a lethal strike against a specific vessel linked to a drug trafficking organization operating in the USSOUTHCOM area off the coast of Venezuela,” he added.

President Trump further elaborated on the operation: “Intelligence officials confirmed that the ship was involved in drug trafficking and had connections to an illegal narco-terrorist network. It was navigating a known route for drug trafficking organizations. This airstrike, executed in international waters, led to the deaths of six male narco-terrorists aboard. Fortunately, there were no U.S. military casualties.”

Just days before this airstrike, Army Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the formation of a “New Counternarcotics Joint Task Force” to operate within the USSOUTHCOM area. Hegseth remarked that the task force’s objective is to dismantle cartels, eliminate dangerous substances, and enhance safety for Americans.

USSOUTHCOM, short for U.S. Southern Command, is a vital component of the Department of the Army, covering Latin America south of Mexico, surrounding waters, and the Caribbean Sea. It’s also charged with the security of the Panama Canal.

“The message is clear: If you traffic drugs to our shores, we will stop you in the cold,” Hegseth reiterated.