The US military has launched its tenth strike against a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. This latest operation, confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, raises the death toll in the ongoing campaign against drug cartels to at least 46 people. The targeted boat was allegedly operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, a criminal organization known for its involvement in narcotics.
As the military’s actions intensify, the frequency of strikes has notably increased. Initially occurring every few weeks since their inception in September 2023, the US military has now escalated to three strikes in just one week. Two of these operations extended beyond the Caribbean into the eastern Pacific, indicating a broader scope of engagement by US forces.
In a striking development, a brief black-and-white video of the recent operation was shared on social media. The footage depicts a small boat appearing to remain stationary on the water before a projectile descends, leading to a significant explosion. The video concludes before the smoke clears, obscuring the remnants of the boat.
Mr. Hegseth emphasized that the latest strike took place in international waters and marked a historic first for the US military, being executed at night. In his social media post, he asserted, “If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda. Day or NIGHT, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you.”
This operation coincided with the deployment of two supersonic bombers near the coast of Venezuela on Thursday, raising eyebrows regarding potential military intentions in the region. The increased military presence in the Caribbean Sea and surrounding waters has led to speculation that US President Donald Trump may be considering actions aimed at ousting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who faces charges of narco-terrorism in the United States.
The US government’s renewed focus on drug trafficking in this region reflects a strategic response to ongoing challenges posed by organized crime and drug cartels. As operations continue, the implications of these military strikes extend beyond immediate tactical gains, potentially influencing the broader geopolitical landscape in Latin America.
