US Increases Lethal Strikes on Venezuelan Drug Cartels Amid Rising Tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed a significant escalation in the Trump administration's approach to combating drug trafficking, following a US military strike that destroyed an alleged drug boat linked to Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang. Rubio emphasized that years of traditional interdiction efforts have failed to curb drug shipments, prompting a shift toward more aggressive tactics including the destruction of vessels at sea, which the administration considers a necessary response to narco-terrorist threats. The strike, announced by President Donald Trump, targeted a boat operating in international waters and reportedly carrying narcotics destined for the United States, resulting in 11 deaths. Rubio assured Mexico of continued security cooperation while underscoring the US commitment to waging war on drug cartels, labeling the groups as immediate threats. Despite the administration's justification based on narcoterrorism designations and imminent threat, details about the operation's legality, specific drugs involved, and methods used remain undisclosed. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro condemned the attack as an act of aggression, threatening armed struggle in response.