Trump Admits Attack on Submarine in Caribbean Sea, Heightening Tensions Around Venezuela

President Donald Trump has confirmed a recent attack on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, further escalating tensions surrounding Venezuela.

During a meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, Trump responded to a reporter’s question by stating, “We launched an attack on a submarine, which was intended to carry a large amount of drugs.”

However, Trump did not provide any evidence to confirm whether the vessel was indeed a submarine or what cargo it was carrying. He added, “These are not innocent people. I don’t know many people who own submarines.”

The incident was first reported by Reuters on Thursday.

A Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that two individuals were captured alive, though their condition or the possibility of a trial remains uncertain. The report also stated that two others were killed in the attack.

During the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked, “We are conducting operations against drug terrorists. These are terrorists, that should be clear.”

To date, the Trump administration has acknowledged five attacks, resulting in at least 28 fatalities.

Anti-Drug Operations or Political Signal?

Washington claims the attacks are aimed at curbing drug trafficking from Venezuela. However, no identities of the deceased have been disclosed.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suggested that some of the victims may have been Colombian nationals. A family from Trinidad and Tobago has also claimed that a relative was killed in one of the recent attacks.

Venezuela has raised the issue at the United Nations Security Council, calling for the attacks to be declared illegal.

Legal experts argue that the U.S. operations violate both U.S. and international law, as drug traffickers are not considered combatants under international conventions.

Trump Claims Maduro Ready to Make Concessions

In the same meeting, Trump further claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had offered several concessions to ease tensions with the U.S. Trump stated, “Yes, he is ready to give everything. Because he knows, he doesn’t want trouble with the United States.”

The history of hostility between Trump and Maduro is long-standing. After returning for a second term, Trump had begun limited communications with the Maduro government. Special envoy Richard Grenell was sent to Caracas to negotiate the return of detained U.S. citizens and discuss immigration issues.

However, earlier this month, the Trump administration canceled Grenell’s mission, ending any diplomatic dialogue with Venezuela.

In August, Trump announced a $50 million reward for Maduro’s arrest.

Rising Tensions and the Fear of War

As tensions rise around Venezuela, Trump is also expanding his executive powers. He claims that the U.S. is facing aggression from “violent immigrants and drug cartels.” Under this claim, he is pushing to implement wartime emergency powers under the 1798 Alien Enemy Act.

Trump has also accused Maduro of sending drugs and criminals to the U.S. through the "Tren de Aragua" gang. However, no evidence has been provided to support these allegations.

A report from the National Intelligence Council (NIC) has dismissed these claims as baseless.