The US has struck another vessel off the coast of Venezuela, killing six people, President Donald Trump has said.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump mentioned the vessel belonged to narcoterrorists and was trafficking narcotics. This is the fifth such strike by the Trump administration on boats accused of drug trafficking since September. A total of 27 individuals have been reported dead, but details regarding the vessels or identities of those on board have not been released by the US.
Attorneys have alleged that these actions violate international law, while neighboring countries like Colombia and Venezuela have condemned the strikes. Trump stated that intelligence corroborated that the targeted vessel was indeed trafficking narcotics and linked to illicit narcoterrorist networks.
He shared an aerial video depicting the targeted small boat being struck by a missile, resulting in an explosion. Despite these claims, Trump did not disclose the nationality of those aboard or the specific drug trafficking organization suspected of involvement. Importantly, he confirmed that no US military personnel were harmed during the attack.
This strike follows the recent emergence of a memo sent to Congress, revealing that the administration has recognized the US as being in a non-international armed conflict with drug cartels. The US has characterized these operations against alleged trafficking vessels as defensive measures, although this interpretation has raised significant legal questions.