The US has struck another vessel off the coast of Venezuela, killing six people, President Donald Trump has stated.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the vessel as belonging to 'narcoterrorists' involved in trafficking narcotics. This strike represents the fifth of its kind by the Trump administration against boats accused of drug trafficking since September, with a total of 27 casualties reported. However, the US has not released any information regarding the identities of those onboard.
Legal experts have raised concerns over potential violations of international law, while neighboring countries like Colombia and Venezuela have condemned the strikes.
In his post, Trump claimed 'intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks, and was transiting known smuggling routes.' He also shared aerial footage showing a missile striking a small boat.
The strike occurred amidst rising tensions, following a leaked memo suggesting that the US is engaged in a 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels. The US administration defends these operations as acts of self-defense, even as lawyers challenge their legality.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the vessel as belonging to 'narcoterrorists' involved in trafficking narcotics. This strike represents the fifth of its kind by the Trump administration against boats accused of drug trafficking since September, with a total of 27 casualties reported. However, the US has not released any information regarding the identities of those onboard.
Legal experts have raised concerns over potential violations of international law, while neighboring countries like Colombia and Venezuela have condemned the strikes.
In his post, Trump claimed 'intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks, and was transiting known smuggling routes.' He also shared aerial footage showing a missile striking a small boat.
The strike occurred amidst rising tensions, following a leaked memo suggesting that the US is engaged in a 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels. The US administration defends these operations as acts of self-defense, even as lawyers challenge their legality.
