Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that U.S. forces struck a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in Caribbean waters off the coast of Venezuela, killing four men [nytimes.com#1][cbsnews.com#1][elpais.com#1][reuters.com#1]. It was the fourth such strike since early September in a campaign targeting alleged cartel-linked boats, a legally disputed effort carried out without congressional authorization [nytimes.com#1][elpais.com#1][time.com#1]. President Trump recently notified Congress that the United States is in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels to justify the military actions [nytimes.com#1][time.com#1].
Highlights:
- Target and claims: Hegseth said intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, the crew were “narco-terrorists,” and it traveled a known smuggling route [time.com#1][cbsnews.com#1].
- Casualty totals: Three previous strikes killed 17 people in total; the latest strike killed four, making it the fourth operation overall [time.com#1][nytimes.com#1].
- Legal dispute: The campaign has proceeded without congressional authorization and is legally disputed, with some experts calling the killings extrajudicial [elpais.com#1][nytimes.com#1][time.com#1].
- Presidential directive: Hegseth said he directed the strike on President Trump’s orders in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility, off Venezuela’s coast [time.com#1][reuters.com#1][elpais.com#1].
- Stated intent: Hegseth vowed the strikes would continue until attacks on Americans cease [nytimes.com#1].
These strikes will continue until the attacks on the American people are over!!!! – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Perspectives:
- U.S. Defense Department: Officials say the vessel was carrying substantial narcotics, the crew were “narco-terrorists,” and the strike was ordered to protect Americans. (TIME)
- President Trump: The president described the campaign as part of an “armed conflict” with drug cartels and framed the strikes as self-defense. (TIME)
- Legal experts (via TIME): Some experts argue the strikes on civilian vessels amount to illegal, extrajudicial killings. (TIME)
- The Nation (Jeet Heer): Calls the attacks illegal acts of murder and urges Democrats to oppose the policy. (The Nation)
- PJ Media: Frames the operation as another successful hit in a declared war on cartels. (PJ Media)
Sources:
- US announces new attack on ‘narco-trafficking vessel’ off the coast of Venezuela – elpais.com
- U.S. Military Attacked Boat Off Venezuela, Killing Four Men, Hegseth Says – nytimes.com
- The U.S. Carries Out Another Strike on an Alleged Cartel Boat as Trump Says the Country Is at War – time.com
- Democrats Must Oppose Trump’s War on Venezuela – thenation.com
- Another One! Hegseth Announces Drug Boat Blast as Trump Declares War With Cartels – pjmedia.com
- Hegseth says U.S. strike on boat off Venezuela kills 4 "narco-terrorists" – cbsnews.com
- The United States Navy conducts a strike targeting a purported drug smuggling boat in the Venezuelan coast. According to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, at least four crewmembers were killed in the attack. – reuters.com
