US captures two survivors after attack on Venezuela 'drug sub'

October 17, 2025

The US military has conducted at least six strikes on Venezuelan ships recently, with the latest attack leaving two survivors who are reportedly being held aboard a Navy ship. President Trump confirmed the Thursday attack, describing the target as a "drug-carrying submarine" amid escalating tensions with Venezuela over alleged drug trafficking. While Trump defended the ongoing operations that have killed approximately 27 people, UN-appointed human rights experts have characterized these strikes as "extrajudicial executions.

Who is affected

The two survivors of the most recent US attack
Approximately 27 people killed in previous US attacks
Potentially two Trinidad and Tobago citizens (reportedly fishermen) who may have been killed
Venezuelan citizens and government
People from different countries in the Caribbean region
Coastal nations dealing with narco-submarine trafficking

What action is being taken

The US military is conducting ongoing attacks against vessels allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela
US forces are holding two survivors aboard a Navy ship
The US is building up approximately 10,000 military forces in the Caribbean region, either on ships or in Puerto Rico
US Air Force B-52 bombers are circling over the Caribbean Sea
Trinidad and Tobago is investigating whether two of its citizens were killed in a US attack
Venezuela's UN Ambassador is calling for UN Security Council intervention

Why it matters

The attacks represent a significant escalation in US actions against Venezuela over drug trafficking allegations
The operations have resulted in approximately 27 deaths, raising human rights concerns with UN experts describing them as "extrajudicial executions"
The military buildup of about 10,000 US forces in the Caribbean has raised fears in Venezuela of a possible US attack
The situation is increasing diplomatic tensions between the US and Venezuela, with President Maduro accusing the US of trying to make Venezuela "an American colony"
The incidents involve international waters and potentially citizens of other nations like Trinidad and Tobago

What's next

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that more information about the attack would be provided later on Friday
No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC