U.S. Military Conducts Deadly Strike on Drug Trafficking Vessel in Eastern Pacific
The United States military has confirmed a lethal strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This marks the first known attack since the raid that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
Details of the Strike
U.S. Southern Command stated on social media that the boat was actively engaged in narco-trafficking operations. The strike resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with one survivor reported. The military has notified the Coast Guard to initiate search and rescue operations for the surviving person.
A video released alongside the announcement depicts the boat moving through the water before exploding into flames. This visual evidence underscores the intensity of the military action taken against the suspected traffickers.
Context of Recent Military Operations
In recent times, the U.S. military has intensified its focus on seizing sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela. This strategy follows the audacious raid launched during the Trump administration, which aimed to capture Maduro and bring him to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
The last series of boat strikes occurred in late December, when the military targeted five alleged drug-smuggling vessels over two days. Those operations resulted in eight fatalities, with others reportedly jumping overboard. Subsequently, the Coast Guard suspended its search efforts.
Broader Implications and Statements
On January 3, the U.S. conducted a large-scale strike in Caracas, Venezuela's capital, leading to the capture of Maduro and his wife. They were subsequently flown to New York to confront federal drug trafficking charges.
Prior to his capture, Maduro criticized the U.S. military operations, describing them as a thinly veiled attempt to remove him from power. In contrast, former President Donald Trump has consistently asserted that such strikes are significantly disrupting drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Trump emphasized the effectiveness of these measures in remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stating, "We've stopped — virtually stopped almost 100% of all drugs coming in by water." This statement highlights the ongoing debate over the impact and justification of U.S. military interventions in the region.
