US Army Conducts Nighttime Strike on Suspected Drug Traffickers in the Caribbean

In a significant military operation, the US Army sank a vessel in the Caribbean, claiming it was operated by the Aragua Train, a designated terrorist organization involved in narcotics trafficking. The attack, ordered by former President Trump, reportedly resulted in the deaths of six individuals whom Secretary of War Pete Hegseth labeled as 'narcoterrorists'. The Pentagon has stated that the strike was executed in international waters, following intelligence indicating that the boat was part of a narcotics trafficking route. However, critics have noted the lack of presented evidence linking the crew members to criminal activities. In a statement made on social media platform X, Hegseth emphasized the US commitment to treating drug traffickers with the same urgency as terrorists. 'If you are a narcoterrorist trafficking drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you as we treat Al Qaeda. Day or night, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and eliminate you,' he declared. This nighttime operation marks a first for US forces, although multiple actions against purported drug trafficking operations have already taken place since Trump initiated this aggressive military campaign. The administration's deployment of military vessels and aircraft to the Caribbean has been a contentious issue, especially with leaders in Colombia and Venezuela, who have faced accusations of harboring drug trafficking operations. Both President Gustavo Petro of Colombia and President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela have publicly denied these allegations. As tensions rise in the region, the Trump administration continues to intensify its focus on combatting the illicit drug trade, raising questions about the impact of these military actions on international relations and regional stability. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2