A strike on what the US called a Venezuelan gang’s drug-carrying vessel killed 11 people, according to Donald Trump.
Speaking at a news conference at the White House, the US president stated, “We just, over the last few minutes, obliterated a boat, a drug-carrying boat, packed with a lot of drugs.”
“And more is expected. We’re witnessing a substantial influx of drugs pouring into our country, which has been occurring for a prolonged period.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, “These particular drugs likely were heading to Trinidad or another Caribbean nation.”
“Rest assured, the president will actively combat drug cartels and drug trafficking within the United States.”
Mr Trump later posted a video on Truth Social of a vessel exploding, marking what appears to be the first US military operation in the southern Caribbean aimed at cracking down on drug cartels.
The president stated on social media that the US military had identified the crew as members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which was designated a terrorist group in February.
He then claimed that Tren de Aragua is under the control of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, which the country denies.
Pic: Truth Social
Venezuelan officials have consistently stated that Tren de Aragua is no longer operational within their country after it was dismantled during a prison raid in 2023.
The US last month increased its reward for information leading to the arrest of Mr Maduro to $50m, accusing him of connections to drug trafficking and criminal groups.
The US has recently deployed warships in the southern Caribbean.
Seven warships, along with one nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, are either operating in the region or expected to arrive soon, carrying more than 4,500 sailors and Marines.
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Officials have stated that the US military has also been operating P-8 spy planes over international waters in the region to gather intelligence.
Mr Maduro stated on Monday that he “would constitutionally declare a republic in arms” if Venezuela were attacked by US forces in the Caribbean.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/trump-says-11-dead-in-strike-on-venezuelan-drugs-boat-13424033
