Trump Confirms 11 Killed in US Strike on Venezuelan Drug Boat

President Donald Trump has confirmed that US forces carried out a strike on a drug-carrying vessel from Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals he described as "narcoterrorists." Trump alleged that the group, Tren de Aragua, was under the control of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Trump posted a video online showing an open-topped speedboat carrying several people, which then exploded in a ball of flames.

Key points from the strike:

Trump said on Truth Social: "Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists. The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in International waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United States. The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action."

He further warned: "Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!"

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a vocal critic of Maduro, stated the US would continue using its “full might” to combat drug cartels: "Trump has been very clear that he's going to use the full power of America, the full might of the United States, to take on and eradicate these drug cartels, no matter where they're operating from."

Rubio also confirmed that the vessel departed from Venezuela.

President Maduro described the US deployment as a threat to national security.

• Venezuela has declared a state of “maximum readiness” in response to perceived US military threats.
• Maduro indicated Venezuela is prepared for a “period of armed struggle” to defend its territory if attacked.
• Caracas petitioned the United Nations to demand the immediate cessation of the US military deployment in the Caribbean.

Background on US-Venezuela Tensions

• Trump has long targeted Maduro, imposing oil embargoes and doubling the bounty to $50 million for Maduro’s capture.
• US policy has not succeeded in removing Maduro from power.
• Both 2018 and 2024 Venezuelan elections were not recognised by the United States amid allegations of fraud and voter suppression.
• Analysts suggest that the recent US naval deployment aimed to increase pressure on Maduro and signal readiness for action.

Overview Table: US Strike and Venezuelan Context

This operation marks a potential escalation in the standoff between Washington and Caracas, following the US deployment of warships to the southern Caribbean in what it describes as a campaign against drug trafficking.