Trump Orders Another Strike
The U.S. military confirmed Friday that it carried out a targeted operation against a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean, marking the first publicly acknowledged maritime strike since the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
According to U.S. Southern Command, the boat was actively involved in narcotics smuggling when it was intercepted. Two individuals aboard the vessel were reported killed during the operation, while one person survived. Military officials said the U.S. Coast Guard was notified immediately to conduct search-and-rescue efforts.
Video Shows Interdiction at Sea
Video released by the military shows the suspect vessel moving at speed across open waters before the operation concluded. U.S. officials emphasized that the action was part of a broader effort to disrupt international drug trafficking routes operating through the eastern Pacific and Caribbean.
In recent weeks, U.S. forces have increased pressure on smuggling networks linked to Venezuela, including vessels connected to sanctioned oil and narcotics operations. The renewed enforcement push follows the Trump administration’s high-profile raid earlier this month that resulted in Maduro being taken into U.S. custody and transported to New York to face federal drug trafficking charges.
Recent Operations Highlight Expanded Enforcement
The latest strike comes after a series of maritime interdictions in late December, when U.S. forces reported engaging multiple suspected smuggling vessels over a two-day period. Officials later suspended search operations after those encounters concluded.
Earlier this month, U.S. authorities also confirmed a large-scale operation in Caracas that led to the capture of Maduro and his wife. Prior to his arrest, Maduro claimed U.S. military actions were politically motivated, a charge American officials have denied.
Trump Says Strategy Is Working
President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that stronger enforcement at sea is producing results. Speaking this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump argued that aggressive maritime operations have sharply reduced drug trafficking routes.
“We’ve stopped—virtually stopped almost 100 percent of all drugs coming in by water,” Trump said, crediting sustained military pressure and tougher enforcement policies.
U.S. officials say maritime interdictions will continue as part of a broader strategy aimed at protecting American communities and disrupting international criminal networks.
