U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the U.S. military destroyed a vessel allegedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean. He said the strike was carried out on his orders and claimed that three “male narcoterrorists” were killed.
Trump Shares Video of Strike
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, where he posted a minute-long aerial video. The footage showed a vessel moving at sea before it was struck by a projectile. Moments later, it exploded and caught fire, leaving debris floating in the water.
This is the third reported strike against drug vessels in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) region, which covers 31 countries in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.
Military Buildup in the Region
The strike comes amid a major U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean. Over the weekend, five F-35 fighter jets landed in Puerto Rico. In total, ten of the advanced stealth fighters have been deployed to the region.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told troops aboard a warship near Puerto Rico that their mission was not a training exercise. Instead, he said they were on the “front lines” of an important counter-narcotics operation.
Rising Tensions with Venezuela
The escalation has fueled tensions with Venezuela. President Nicolás Maduro has accused the U.S. of trying to remove him from power, claims Washington denies.
Last month, the U.S. doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, accusing him of ties to drug trafficking and organized crime. Maduro has rejected the charges.
What Comes Next
Trump did not provide independent evidence for the strike, but the operation highlights Washington’s growing military presence in the Caribbean. Analysts warn the buildup could deepen friction with Venezuela and other regional players.
