U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that a military operation was conducted in the southern Caribbean targeting a drug-carrying vessel operated by the Tren de Aragua gang that set sail from Venezuela. The president revealed in a post on Truth Social that the strike resulted in the death of 11 individuals in the operation, sharing a video showing a small vessel engulfed in flames.
According to Trump, the strike took place while the individuals were transporting illegal narcotics in international waters en route to the United States. He emphasized that no U.S. personnel were injured in the operation, sending a strong message to those involved in drug trafficking activities.
A video showcased a high-speed boat on the sea being struck by a bright flash, followed by flames engulfing the vessel. However, the video’s quality did not allow for a clear view of the number of individuals on board or the presence of drugs inside the boat.
The White House also shared information about the strike on their account, including additional footage. Tren de Aragua, which originated from a Venezuelan prison over a decade ago, has reportedly expanded its operations as millions of Venezuelans migrated due to economic challenges.
The Trump administration has consistently accused the gang of fueling violence and drug trade in the U.S., attributing control to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, despite conflicting intelligence assessments. The White House did not elaborate on how the military identified the individuals aboard the vessel as Tren de Aragua members.
Venezuelan officials, including President Maduro, reacted to the strike, with Maduro expressing concerns about U.S. intentions towards Venezuela’s resources. The country, known for its vast oil reserves, has been a focal point in recent geopolitical tensions.
The veracity of the strike video was questioned by Venezuelan Communications Minister Freddy Ñáñez, who suggested the use of artificial intelligence in its creation. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a vocal critic of Maduro, supported the military action, highlighting the fight against drug cartels.
The U.S. recently announced plans to strengthen its maritime presence near Venezuela to combat drug-related threats. While there are no indications of a land invasion, tensions have escalated between the U.S. and Venezuela, with Maduro dismissing U.S. allegations of drug trafficking as a pretext to interfere in Venezuelan affairs.
In a separate development, a federal appeals court ruled against expedited deportations of alleged Tren de Aragua members under an old law, signaling ongoing legal battles in the U.S. regarding the handling of individuals associated with the gang.
