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U.S. forces have reportedly killed four individuals in an operation targeting a vessel off the Venezuelan coast suspected of narcotics trafficking, according to comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“The operation took place in international waters near Venezuela, targeting a vessel allegedly transporting significant quantities of narcotics destined for the U.S.,” Hegseth stated in a post on X.
This incident marks the latest in a series of lethal engagements by the U.S. against vessels in international waters believed to be involved in “narco-trafficking.”
These operations have drawn condemnation from Venezuela and Colombia, with some international legal experts questioning their compliance with international law.
Hegseth indicated the operation fell within the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, encompassing much of South America and the Caribbean.
“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was engaged in narcotics trafficking, the individuals on board were narco-terrorists, and they were operating on a known trafficking route,” Hegseth asserted regarding Friday’s incident.
“These operations will persist until the attacks on the American people cease.”
President Trump also addressed the operation on his Truth Social platform, stating the vessel carried enough narcotics “to kill 25 to 50 thousand people.”
The U.S. has not released evidence supporting its claims or provided information regarding the identities of those killed.
Venezuela has yet to issue an immediate response, but President Nicolás Maduro has previously denounced similar operations and affirmed the nation’s right to defend itself against U.S. “aggression.”
Friday’s incident is the fourth fatal U.S. operation in the past month.
Subsequent operations later in the month resulted in six additional deaths.
A leaked memo to Congress, reported by U.S. media this Thursday, indicated the U.S. government has determined it is in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels.
This declaration carries significance as it legally requires the administration to report to Congress regarding the use of armed forces, suggesting potential plans for further military actions.
The U.S. has characterized its actions against alleged drug vessels as self-defense, although legal experts have questioned the legality of such operations.
Framing these engagements as an active armed conflict potentially enables the administration to utilize broader wartime powers, such as targeting “enemy fighters” even without an imminent threat or indefinite detention – powers similar to those enacted after 9/11 against al-Qaeda.
President Trump has yet to provide a detailed rationale for categorizing drug trafficking and associated crimes as an “armed attack,” or to identify specific cartels he believes are attacking the U.S.
The administration has already designated multiple cartels, including those in Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela, as terrorist organizations, expanding the authorities available to U.S. agencies in responding to them.
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