US Strikes Drug Cartel Ship in Ongoing Crackdown
The United States has launched another operation against drug cartels in Latin America, as announced by the president on True Social on Monday evening.
The US Southern Command (Southcom) executed a strike on a drug ship identified as transporting narcotics from Venezuela in international waters, resulting in the deaths of three men. This attack marks the second such action in the area, following a previous operation targeting Latin American drug traffickers, with military assets deployed across the Caribbean.
In his post, the president stated, “This morning, on my order, the US military launched a second campaign attack on highly violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists in the responsible Southcom area.” He emphasized that this vessel was transporting illegal drugs from Venezuela, characterizing them as “a deadly weapon that adds to Americans!”
Secretary of War Pete Hegses also shared details about the operation in a post on X, asserting that narcoterrorists are the enemy of the United States. He asserted, “We track them, kill them, and dismantle networks throughout the hemisphere.”
Latin American cartels significantly contribute to fentanyl trafficking in the United States, which has resulted in thousands of overdose deaths annually, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Venezuela hosts several prominent drug cartels, including Tren de Aragua, which emerged from domestic prisons and began entering the US during the current administration.
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has issued veiled threats against the US following recent military actions. He claimed in August, “He’s going to defend him,” referencing the US presence and declaring it a “threat of the empire falling.”
The president warned, “If you’re transporting drugs that can kill Americans, we’re hunting you!” He denounced the long-lasting impact of cartel activities, which have resulted in millions of American deaths over the years.
The State Department has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding these operations.
