US forces kill 11 Venezuelan 'terrorists' in Caribbean Sea: Trump

The United States carried out an airstrike on a boat in the South Caribbean Sea accused of smuggling weapons from Venezuela.

President Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social that 11 people, described as “drug terrorists” linked to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, were killed. He called the operation a “kinetic strike” and warned drug traffickers targeting the US.

The attack took place in international waters, with no US casualties reported. US Senator Marco Rubio confirmed the location but did not specify further details.

Tensions between the US and Venezuela have escalated since Trump took office, with Trump accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of supporting criminal gangs, though no conclusive evidence has been presented. The US has increased military presence in the Caribbean, deploying seven warships and a nuclear submarine with over 4,500 personnel.

Maduro has responded by boosting Venezuela’s coastal defenses and warned of declaring the country an “armed republic” if attacked. Despite past prisoner exchanges, Trump’s administration continues to pressure Maduro, linking him to the Tren de Aragua gang. However, US intelligence reports have cast doubt on direct Maduro involvement, noting Venezuela provides a “permissive environment” for the gang’s activities.