The US has struck another vessel off the coast of Venezuela on Tuesday, killing six people, President Donald Trump has said.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the vessel belonged to 'narcoterrorists' and was involved in trafficking narcotics.
This is the fifth strike of its kind by the Trump administration on a boat accused of trafficking drugs in international waters since September. In total, 27 people have been reported killed, but the US has yet to provide evidence or information regarding the identities of the vessels or those on board them.
Some legal experts argue that these actions breach international law, while neighboring countries like Colombia and Venezuela have condemned the strikes.
In his Truth Social post, Trump emphasized that 'intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics' and linked to illicit networks. He also shared an aerial surveillance video showing the attack.
While Trump did not specify the nationality of those aboard or the drug smuggling organization they are connected to, he stated that no US military personnel were injured during the operation.
This strike follows a leaked memo to Congress outlining that the US views its actions as part of a 'non-international armed conflict' against drug cartels, prompting the deployment of multiple warships in the Caribbean.
By framing these actions as self-defense, the Trump administration seeks to justify potential uses of wartime powers, such as targeting 'enemy fighters' and indefinite detentions.
Despite some drug trafficking occurring in Venezuela, the country is not regarded as a major hotspot compared to other regions, leading to skepticism about the underlying political motivations of these strikes, particularly amidst efforts to exert military pressure on President Nicolás Maduro.
Furthermore, the US recently offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest on drug-trafficking charges, complicating these military engagements.
Venezuela's government has responded with criticism to prior strikes, with Maduro denying allegations of involvement in drug trafficking and questioning the authenticity of the footage shared by Trump.
