Trump says 11 killed in US strike on drug-carrying vessel from Venezuela

September 3, 2025

President Donald Trump announced that U.S. military forces conducted a strike against a drug vessel in international waters in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, whom he described as "narcoterrorists. " Trump shared a video of the operation on social media, stating the vessel was transporting illegal narcotics bound for the United States. This military action comes amid increased pressure against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government, including a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest on drug trafficking charges.

Who is affected

Members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (11 killed in the strike)
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his government
The Cartel of the Suns group (alleged to be headed by Maduro)
U.S. citizens (as potential recipients of incoming drugs)
Venezuelans facing deportation from the U.S.

What action is being taken

The U.S. military is conducting strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking
The Trump administration is deploying additional naval vessels and thousands of U.S. Marines and sailors to the southern Caribbean
The U.S. is offering a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest
Trump is designating drug-trafficking organizations and criminal groups as terrorist organizations
The U.S. is allowing Chevron to work in Venezuela with the state-run PDVSA oil firm

Why it matters

The strike represents a direct military action against drug trafficking organizations targeting the U.S.
It signals an escalation in U.S. pressure against the Venezuelan government and associated criminal groups
The action demonstrates Trump's willingness to use military force to combat drug trafficking
It raises tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with Maduro vowing to "declare a republic in arms" if attacked
The incident occurs amid ongoing immigration issues, with Trump using allegations of criminality to justify deporting Venezuelans

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC