US Military Conducts Precision Strike on Venezuelan Drug Vessel in Caribbean

The U.S. military, under President Donald Trump's directive to intensify counternarcotics efforts, conducted a lethal precision strike on a Venezuelan vessel in the southern Caribbean suspected of transporting illegal drugs. The vessel was linked to a designated narco-terrorist organization, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though details about the operation and exact location remain undisclosed. This strike coincides with a significant U.S. naval buildup in the region, including warships like the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and the USS Lake Erie, deploying over 4,500 personnel to combat drug trafficking. The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his allies of involvement with transnational criminal groups, leading to increased sanctions and criminal bounties. Maduro has strongly rejected these accusations, warning of a potential armed response if U.S. forces attack, escalating regional tensions. While neighboring countries have urged caution, the U.S. has not ruled out further military interventions to address narcotics trafficking and related security threats.