Controversial US Strikes Against Alleged Drug Traffickers: A Deepening Divide

Thu Nov 20 2025 09:28:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent announcement, President Trump disclosed that US forces executed a 'lethal kinetic strike' against a drug trafficking vessel, resulting in the deaths of three men aboard. This action, part of a series of strikes in South America, invokes legal and ethical debates surrounding international maritime law.

Recently, President Trump confirmed that US forces targeted a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in international waters, leading to three fatalities. This strike marks the third operation against similar vessels in recent weeks, raising questions about legality and international relations, particularly with Venezuela, which has condemned these actions.

President Donald Trump has announced that US forces carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel believed to be trafficking drugs, resulting in the deaths of three male narcoterrorists aboard.

The strike, which Trump claimed was executed under his orders, occurred in the US Southern Command's operational area, after intelligence confirmed the ship's involvement in illegal drug activities.

This incident was the third attack on alleged drug-trafficking boats in just a few weeks, with previous strikes having resulted in the death of 14 individuals linked to vessels allegedly originating from Venezuela.

The operation's announcement, shared via Truth Social, stated the strike occurred in international waters, an assertion that has not gone unnoticed by Venezuelan officials.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denounced these military actions, framing them as acts of US aggression, and reaffirmed his country's stance to defend itself.

Trump's post featured a video showcasing the vessel in operation before it was destroyed, emphasizing the narrative of combating drug trafficking. He reiterated, No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike. STOP SELLING FENTANYL, NARCOTICS, AND ILLEGAL DRUGS IN AMERICA, AND COMMITTING VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM AGAINST AMERICANS!!!

However, legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of such strikes occurring in international waters, citing potential violations of international human rights and maritime law.