The US has struck another vessel off the coast of Venezuela, killing six people, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on Tuesday.
He described the boat as belonging to “narcoterrorists” and claimed it was “trafficking narcotics.”
This marks the fifth such strike since September.
A total of 27 deaths have been reported, though the US has yet to release details about the victims or the vessels.
Critics are asking: Is this even legal? Lawyers argue it could breach international law, while Colombia and Venezuela have condemned the attacks.
Trump posted an aerial video showing a small boat being hit by a missile.
He did not specify the nationality of those on board or which cartel it belonged to.
“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics.
It was associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks and was transiting along a known smuggling route,” he wrote.
Controversial Drug Strikes
A leaked memo to Congress suggests the US considers itself in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels.
Some experts say this designation could justify extreme wartime powers.
These powers include targeting suspected cartel members without immediate threat or detaining them indefinitely.
While Venezuela does see some drug activity, it’s not considered a major trafficking hotspot, raising questions about the strikes’ political motives.
Many observers see them as part of a campaign to pressure President Nicolás Maduro.
This is especially following the US offer of a $50m reward for information leading to his arrest on drug charges.
