On September 2, 2025, a deadly military strike left 11 narco-terrorists dead in the South Caribbean sea due to their boat being destroyed. The vessel was found in international waters and was transporting illegal narcotics heading for the United States. President Donald Trump was given weeks of surveillance footage from aircrafts and other sensors from the United States Navy which tracked down the vessel’s location. A MQ-9 Reaper drone was used to carry out the attack.
According to Fox News, US State Representative Carlos Gimenez stated that, “the Vessel belonged to the Cartel of the Suns”. This organization is linked to the jurisdiction of President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela. Trump stated, “TDA is designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, operating under the control of Nicholas Maduro, responsible for drug trafficking, but also mass murder, sex trafficking, and acts of violence and terror to the United States and Western Hemisphere”. State representative Carlos Gimenez mentioned in an interview with Local 10 News, responding to the questions about the Venezuelan President, that he is dangerous and needs to be controlled. “He’s the head of an international cartel and frankly has been killing Americans,” Florida Representative Carlos Gimenez states.
The lethal strike on the drug vessel was intended to make a clear statement that the United States will no longer tolerate drugs being smuggled into the country. According to PBS, Vice President JD Vance stated, “Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military”. Initially the Trump administration was facing backlash that the use of military power was excessive, but the Vice President was clear to reiterate the goals of the current administration.
The Trump administration vows to continue the boat strikes as long as countries attempt to pose a threat to United States national security and interests. As of now, Venezuela has not responded to the requests for comment made by Donald Trump. It is clear that the current administration intends to keep their campaign promise. “The President is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press conference. The United States is making it very clear to outside countries that there will be consequences for actions such as the drug vessel incident.
