US strikes alleged drug boat off Venezuelan coast, killing four

The US military carried out a strike on a vessel off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of four individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

3 oct 2025 - 18:36 • 2 min read

In an escalation of its campaign against drug cartels, the United States military conducted a strike on a vessel off the coast of Venezuela on Friday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation on social media, stating that US intelligence "without a doubt, confirmed that this vessel was trafficking narcotics, the people onboard were narco-terrorists, and they were operating on a known narco-trafficking transit route."

The strike occurred in international waters near Venezuelan territory. Hegseth confirmed that the four individuals aboard the boat were killed and posted a video purportedly showing the vessel exploding and catching fire. He declared, "These strikes will continue until the attacks on the American people are over!!!!."

Former President Donald Trump also confirmed the strike on his Truth Social platform, claiming the boat was carrying enough drugs to kill between 25,000 and 50,000 people and was intercepted before reaching American territory.

This incident marks the fourth such strike by the US military on vessels in the Caribbean in recent weeks, with previous operations resulting in the deaths of a total of 17 people. The US has stated these strikes are part of its fight against drug trafficking.

The Trump administration recently informed Congress that it has entered a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels. This designation, outlined in a memo obtained by the Associated Press, signals a potential for further military action and allows for broader use of wartime powers, similar to those employed against al-Qaeda after 9/11.

Legal experts have raised questions about the legality of these strikes, with some describing them as a breach of international law. The US has not publicly provided evidence to support its claims about the vessels or the identities of those on board.

Venezuela has previously condemned the US strikes, with President Nicolás Maduro asserting his country's right to self-defense against what he termed US "aggression." The US military has deployed eight warships with over 5,000 personnel to the region as part of its anti-drug trafficking efforts.

Details about the specific cartel or individuals targeted in Friday's strike were not immediately released. However, the administration has previously designated cartels, including some operating in Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela, as terrorist organizations.