U.S. Conducts Fourth Strike on Alleged Drug Boat Near Venezuela, Killing Four
The United States carried out another military strike in the Caribbean, targeting a small boat off the coast of Venezuela on Friday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals accused of narcotics smuggling. This operation marks the fourth such maritime strike in the region within a month, escalating tensions and raising legal questions.
Details of the Strike
According to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the strike was authorized by President Donald Trump and took place in international waters near Venezuela. The targeted vessel was allegedly carrying a significant quantity of drugs destined for the United States. Hegseth stated that intelligence confirmed the boat was operating on a known trafficking route and that the individuals on board were linked to designated terrorist organizations. A video shared on social media purportedly shows the boat exploding and burning at sea following the strike. He also posted the following on X (formerly Twitter): "Earlier this morning, on President Trump’s orders, I directed a lethal, kinetic strike on a narco-trafficking vessel affiliated with Designated Terrorist Organizations in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the…"
Earlier this morning, on President Trump’s orders, I directed a lethal, kinetic strike on a narco-trafficking vessel affiliated with Designated Terrorist Organizations in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the… pic.twitter.com/QpNPljFcGn
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 3, 2025
Hegseth has declared that these operations will continue "until the attacks on the American people are over." The Trump administration has declared the United States is in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels which it now designates as terrorist organizations. This, officials stated, allows them to use military force against those labeled as "unlawful combatants".
Escalating Tensions and International Reactions
The recent strike follows a series of similar incidents, beginning on September 1, resulting in a rising death toll. The United States has also significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying naval vessels and personnel, as well as stationing fighter jets in Puerto Rico.
Venezuela has vehemently condemned the strikes, asserting that they violate international law and infringe upon national sovereignty. Venezuelan officials claim U.S. fighter jets entered an area under Venezuelan air traffic control, characterizing it as a provocation. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino claimed five US aircraft approached within 75 kilometres of Venezuela’s coast and were tracked by radar.
President Nicolás Maduro has expressed his readiness to declare a state of emergency in response to what he perceives as U.S. "aggression." He has also refuted allegations of collusion between the Venezuelan armed forces and drug cartels made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Legal Justification and Controversies
The Trump administration claims these actions are justified by the designation of drug cartels as terrorist organizations and the assertion that the U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with them. However, no evidence has been made public to support the claims that the targeted boats were carrying narcotics. Some legal experts have questioned the legality of using military force against what they consider civilian criminal networks and have been historically handled by law enforcement. One official on Capitol Hill told ABC News this week that lawmakers were interpreting the latest notice on the strikes as the administration "essentially waging a secret war against secret enemies, without the consent of Congress."
Contrasting Perspectives and Further Developments
While the U.S. asserts its right to conduct these strikes to combat drug trafficking and protect its citizens, the operations have drawn criticism from various sources. Some argue that the actions are disproportionate and violate international law, while others question the legal basis for the use of military force against suspected drug smugglers. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation between the U.S. and Venezuela.
Trump, for his part, said this week that alleged high-seas drug trafficking was almost nonexistent after the previous strikes. “We are going to watch very closely the cartels that bring [the drugs] in by land,” he said.
