In a bold move, the U.S. military carried out a strike on a suspected drug smuggling vessel off the coast of Venezuela, signaling the start of a broader operation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that military actions will persist, signaling the initiation of a prolonged military campaign in Latin America.
Late on Tuesday, President Donald Trump released a video showcasing the aerial attack that destroyed the small boat, which he claimed was transporting a significant amount of drugs and 11 alleged “terrorists” who were all killed. This action comes after a recent military buildup involving the relocation of warships nearer to Venezuela and the deployment of thousands of troops, with the objective of disrupting cartel drug trafficking to the U.S.
President Trump suggested that the released video was intended as a deterrent to others. He stated, “Obviously they won’t be doing it again, and I think a lot of other people won’t be doing it again when they watch that tape.” Trump also alleged that the 11 individuals killed were associated with the Tren de Aragua gang, although no evidence was provided to substantiate this claim.
Tren de Aragua is a criminal organization that originated as a prison gang in Venezuela’s Aragua state over a decade ago. Known for extreme violence, including beheadings and live burials, the group expanded its criminal activities to other countries such as Chile, Colombia, and more recently, to cities in the U.S. like New York, Chicago, and Denver suburbs. The gang is involved in various illicit activities such as kidnapping, extortion, sex trafficking, and drug smuggling.
The Biden administration categorized Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization last year. In a significant move, President Trump designated Tren de Aragua as a “foreign terrorist organization” earlier this year, along with similar groups in Latin America, accusing them of facilitating violent migrants’ entry into the U.S. and creating chaos in cities.
President Maduro of Venezuela has denied any links to Tren de Aragua, asserting that the group was disbanded in 2023 and dismissing its existence as a fabrication by the international media. Conversely, the Trump administration has labeled Maduro as one of the world’s leading narcotic traffickers, alleging that he collaborates with cartels to flood the U.S. with cocaine laced with fentanyl. Maduro was indicted in New York in 2020 on narco-terrorism charges, with a substantial bounty placed on his capture.
The U.S. has escalated its military presence near Venezuela by positioning navy destroyers and a cruiser closer to the Venezuelan coast, with plans to deploy amphibious assault ships capable of carrying thousands of soldiers and marines. While there is no immediate indication of an invasion, the U.S. administration remains discreet about the operation’s scope.
President Maduro has urged Venezuelans to prepare for a potential invasion, condemning the military pressure as an unjustifiable threat. He has deployed troops along the coast and border with Colombia, calling on civilians to join a militia for defense. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has demanded an end to the military deployment, denouncing it as a threat to Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Maduro’s claim of winning the previous year’s presidential election is contested by several countries, including Canada and the U.S., which do not acknowledge his leadership. The Venezuelan opposition has been lobbying for international support to oust Maduro, endorsing the U.S. military intervention as a necessary step to dismantle what they describe as a criminal regime.
