Venezuela stands accused by Trump of being a key player in illicit drug trafficking and organized crime, with Trump stating, "He acted badly."
In a bold move, President Donald Trump announced the neutralization of a boat transporting drugs in the Caribbean Sea, marking the latest escalation in the US's offensive against drug cartels. The attack, carried out on Tuesday, resulted in the death of eleven individuals identified as "narco-terrorists."
The vessel, linked to the terrorist group Tren de Aragua, was targeted by US forces, which have assets in the air, at sea, and on ships for the mission against drug cartels. The Tren de Aragua, designated by Washington as a criminal organization, is accused of attempting to "poison the country with drugs," according to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Trump has been vocal about the threat posed by drug trafficking from Venezuela, stating that the country presents a significant problem for the United States due to its links to criminal activities and irregular immigration. He insists on the need to protect US territory from the actions of the Venezuelan government and its alleged criminal connections.
The current military deployment of the United States in the Caribbean Sea has unprecedented dimensions, aimed at intensifying the fight against drug trafficking. Marco Rubio, a US Senator, emphasized that "The United States will use all its power to eradicate drug cartels."
Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan President, is accused by the United States with a $50 million reward and is linked to drug trafficking activities. Trump stated that the attack on the boat was to prevent a large amount of drugs from entering the United States and causing harm to its citizens. He also shared a video of the attack on the small vessel, demonstrating the precise application of American power and its potential to change dynamics at both the global and regional levels.
Hegseth has threatened more military operations against drug cartels in the region, stating that China and other countries have the right to express opinions but what is happening in the Caribbean is a clear display of military power. Trump's offensive against drug cartels is intended to strengthen US security, with the mission against drug cartels being a priority for national security.
In early September 2025, US forces sank a drug-laden boat from Venezuela, killing 11 alleged cartel members. No specific date has been announced for the next action, but the US has increased its military presence in the region to counter drug trafficking. Trump declared that there were enormous amounts of drugs on the boat that was attacked, reiterating the urgency of the situation and the importance of the US's actions in the region. Trump also stated that his government will not allow the current situation with Venezuela to continue.
