US Forces Conduct Third Strike on Alleged Drug Trafficker Vessels

Thu Oct 16 2025 16:44:14 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a marked increase in military actions against drug trafficking, President Trump has confirmed a lethal strike by US forces on a vessel identified as a narcotrafficker, resulting in three fatalities.

US forces executed their third strike on alleged drug trafficking vessels, killing three individuals believed to be involved in narcoterrorism. President Trump characterized the operation as a necessary response to drug trafficking threats in the region, calling for heightened vigilance against narcotics in America. The Venezuelan government has condemned the actions as aggressive and stated it will defend itself. Legal experts raise concerns regarding the legality of such strikes in international waters.

President Donald Trump has stated that US forces carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel that was allegedly involved in drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of three individuals dubbed male narcoterrorists. The strike, which Trump ordered, took place in areas designated under the US Southern Command's responsibility, targeting a vessel confirmed by intelligence to be trafficking illicit drugs.

The President revealed the details on Truth Social, explaining that the offensive was executed in international waters and was the third such operation in recent weeks. Prior strikes have resulted in a total of 14 fatalities aboard boats thought to be operating from Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has previously criticized these strikes, asserting that his nation will take necessary steps to defend itself from US aggression. Trump's announcement mirrored previous communications about these actions and included visuals of the vessel before and after the strike.

Trump emphasized the importance of combating narcotrafficking, declaring, No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike. STOP SELLING FENTANYL, NARCOTICS, AND ILLEGAL DRUGS IN AMERICA!!! He further asserted that the vessel was on a known trafficking route aimed at supplying drugs to the United States.

Legal experts have pointed out potential violations of international law in relation to the strikes conducted in international waters, raising questions about the legality of lethal actions taken in these contexts.