A boat is seen in international waters before a strike by the US military near Venezuela
Share and Follow

() President Donald Trump issued an ominous warning to Venezuela Monday hours before announcing that the U.S. military targeted a second boat allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela, killing three aboard the vessel.

Trump announced the strike in a posting on social media.

“The Strike occurred while these confirmed narcoterrorists from Venezuela were in International Waters transporting illegal narcotics (A DEADLY WEAPON POISONING AMERICANS!) headed to the U.S.,” Trump said in a Truth Social post announcing the strike. “These extremely violent drug trafficking cartels POSE A THREAT to U.S. National Security, Foreign Policy, and vital U.S. Interests.”

Monday’s strike comes on the heels another military strike two weeks ago on what the Trump administration says was a drug-carrying speedboat from Venezuela that killed 11.

“We’ll see what happens,” Trump said Sunday in response to a question about the possibility of U.S. strikes on the Latin American nation. “Look, Venezuela is sending us their gang members, their drug dealers and drugs. It’s not acceptable.”

Just days ago, personnel from a U.S. warship boarded a Venezuelan tuna boat with nine fishermen over the weekend as it was sailing in Venezuelan waters, the country’s foreign minister said Saturday.

Tensions between the two nations escalated after Trump in August ordered the deployment of warships in the Caribbean, citing the fight against Latin American drug cartels.

While reading a statement Saturday, Foreign Minister Yván Gil told journalists the Venezuelan tuna boat was “illegally and hostilely boarded by a U.S. Navy destroyer” and 18 armed personnel who remained on the vessel for eight hours, preventing communication and the fishermen’s normal activities. They were then released under escort by the Venezuelan Navy.

The fishing boat had authorization from the Ministry of Fisheries to carry out its work, Gil said at a news conference, during which he presented photos of the incident.

The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of helping to flood the U.S. with drugs, and doubled a reward from $25 million to $50 million for information leading to his arrest.

The U.S. government has given no indication it plans to carry out a ground incursion with the more than 4,000 troops deployed in the area.

But the Venezuelan government has nonetheless called on its citizens to enlist in the militias armed volunteers in support of its security forces in the event of a potential incursion. On Saturday, it urged them to go to military barracks for training sessions.

Trump’s “we’ll see” comment came just days after the president pushed back on Maduro’s claim that the U.S. was “seeking a regime change through military threat.”

“We’re not talking about (regime change), but we are talking about the fact that you had an election which was a very strange election, to put it mildly,” Trump said when asked about Maduro’s comment.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

  • A boat is seen in international waters before a strike by the US military near Venezuela
  • A boat is seen on fire after a strike by the US military near Venezuela
  • A boat is seen on fire after a strike by the US military near Venezuela
  • A boat is seen on fire after a strike by the US military near Venezuela
Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore and his wife put on united front

Former Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore and Wife Show Strong Unity

Former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore has resurfaced in public for the first…
Charlie Kirk's widow fights to keep news cameras in courtroom for accused assassin's trial

Erika Kirk and Candace Owens Set for Exclusive Dialogue Amid Growing Tensions

Erika Kirk has unveiled plans for a private meeting with commentator Candace…
Person of interest in Brown University shooting released

Breaking: Key Suspect in Brown University Shooting Set Free – What This Means for the Case

In an unexpected turn of events, authorities have released a 24-year-old man…
Charlotte prioritizes $3.4M transit marketing blitz over safety after recent stabbings, GOP chair says

Charlotte Faces Backlash: $3.4M Transit Marketing Push Takes Priority Over Safety Enhancements Amidst Recent Stabbings, Claims GOP Chair

The city of Charlotte is facing criticism after greenlighting a $3.4 million…
'Survivor' alum says she left Brown University building minutes before shooting

Survivor Alum’s Close Call: Narrow Escape from Brown University Shooting

WASHINGTON — On a day marked by tragedy, Eva Erickson, a doctoral…
FBI: Suspect at large after 'acid attack' in Savannah's Forsyth Park area

Urgent: Search Underway for Suspect in Forsyth Park Acid Incident

The FBI’s Atlanta division is offering a reward of up to $5,000…
Major win for ultra-conservative gives Chile its most right-wing president in decades

Ultra-Conservative Triumph: Chile Elects Its Most Right-Wing President in Decades

SANTIAGO, Chile — In a remarkable turn of events, José Antonio Kast,…
Update on Bondi hero who confronted gunman as lawyer raises question

New Developments in Bondi Hero’s Encounter with Gunman as Legal Concerns Arise

Ahmed Al-Ahmed, celebrated for bravely stopping a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach,…