In a concerning development, the US military has revealed that it carried out a strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. According to the US Southern Command, intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and was engaged in drug smuggling operations.
The strike, which occurred on Friday, marks the first known attack since President Trump ordered the US military to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. The military statement described the two deceased as “narco-terrorists” and indicated that a search was underway for a potential survivor.
This latest incident is part of a broader crackdown by the US military on suspected drug smuggling activities in the region. Since early September, the military has conducted more than 30 strikes against boats believed to be involved in drug trafficking off the coasts of South America. These operations have resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, according to information provided by the Trump administration.
The focus on disrupting Venezuela’s oil trade has also been a key priority for the US government. Last week, US forces in the Caribbean Sea seized an oil tanker that was allegedly connected to Venezuela. The Trump administration has moved to assert control over the distribution of Venezuela’s oil products globally, following its efforts to oust Maduro from power.
In a related development, the Trump administration has announced an agreement with Venezuela’s interim leadership that would provide up to 50 million barrels of crude oil to the US. Additionally, the President has signed an executive order to “safeguard” Venezuelan oil revenues in US-controlled accounts.
The latest boat strike occurred in late December, when the military claimed it had targeted five alleged drug-smuggling vessels over two days, resulting in a total of eight fatalities. The US Coast Guard subsequently suspended its search efforts in the aftermath of these incidents.
As the US continues its crackdown on suspected narco-trafficking operations in the region, concerns have been raised about the potential for further violence and the broader implications of these military actions. Journalists and human rights advocates will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the situation in the coming weeks and months.
