WASHINGTON, DC – THE United States has carried out a second strike on a Venezuelan vessel, killing three people, President Donald Trump confirmed Monday.
In a social media post, Trump said U.S. forces targeted “extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists” in international waters. He claimed the vessel was transporting narcotics bound for the United States.
The strike follows an earlier U.S. attack that killed 11 alleged smugglers, drawing criticism from regional leaders. Trump, however, defended the latest action, saying the cartels are “extremely violent drug trafficking cartels POSE A THREAT to U.S. National Security, Foreign Policy, and vital U.S. Interests.”
He confirmed no American forces were harmed.
The escalation has raised concern across the Caribbean and Latin America, though Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has voiced support for Washington. CARICOM foreign ministers are expected to meet to discuss the issue.
