The US military conducted another strike on a drug-smuggling boat on Tuesday, a Pentagon official confirmed to CBS News. This attack targeted a ship in the Caribbean Sea and killed four people.
Since September, US forces have destroyed at least 21 ships in 20 strikes in international waters, killing at least 80 people. Trump Administration Says Jobs – Their details remain sparse – They are part of the annoying anti-dolf. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the broader anti-trafficking effort “Operation Southern Spear” late Thursday.
The Pentagon did not release many details about the most recent strike. Earlier, Hegseth said that the attack has Targeting narco “terrorists”. On known drug trafficking routes, although US officials have not provided any evidence that the ships were driven by drugs or faced a threat to the United States.
Some experts say the strikes, which occurred in the Pacific and Caribbean, it may break international law even if they target known drug traffickers. The UN HUntu Human Rightef Voverk this week called for an investigation into the management of the strikes, warning of “Expressionals”
The latest strike comes amid a US military buildup in the region. This week, the US Department of Defense confirmed that the USS Gerald Ford and other warships entered the southern area of ​​responsibility, which includes the Caribbean. The USS Ford is the largest aircraft carrier in the world, and the US Navy’s most advanced.
Senior military officials on Wednesday presented President Trump with updated options For possible activities in Venezuela, including strikes in the world, according to many sources who were familiar with the meetings at the White House. No final decision has been made, however, two sources told CBS News.
Meanwhile, Venezuela announced on Tuesday that it was Launching a major military exercise Nationwide, it reportedly involves some 200,000 troops.
Many people inside Venezuela, including President Nicolas Maduro himself, and observers outside the country believe that it has increased US military pressure It is aimed at forcing Maduro out of office.
When asked In a recent interview with “60 Minutes” If Maduro’s days are “counting down,” Mr. Trump replied, “I would say yes.” I think so, yes. “
Mr. Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of being in league with armed gangs that steal drugs from the US – Accusations the Venezuelan leader has denied.
Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday ordered his country to stop sharing intelligence with the US and said the order would last as long as attacks on boats in the Caribbean continue. “
