President Donald Trump has reported that US forces executed a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel accused of drug trafficking, leading to the deaths of three men considered to be involved in narcoterrorism. This offensive was justified as a response to confirmed intelligence regarding the boat's drug trafficking activities.
According to Trump, the strike took place in international waters within the US Southern Command region, which encompasses much of South America and the Caribbean. This incident marks the third instance of such military actions in recent weeks.
Earlier strikes have reportedly resulted in a total of 14 casualties from similar vessels linked to Venezuela. Amidst these actions, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned what he perceives as US aggression, asserting that his nation will resiliently defend itself.
Trump framed the military operation as a necessary enforcement measure, releasing a video of the strike that culminated with the vessel exploding on the water's surface. His message included a strong anti-drug trafficking stance, emphasizing the dangers such operations pose to American communities.
Legal experts have previously voiced concerns regarding the implications of these strikes under international law, debating whether such actions infringe upon human rights and maritime regulations.
