US destroys alleged Venezuelan drug boat, killing three

September 15, 2025

President Donald Trump announced that U.S. military forces destroyed a vessel allegedly carrying drugs in international waters, killing three people, though he provided no immediate evidence of narcotics. This attack follows an earlier strike that killed 11 people, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro responded by stating that Venezuela would defend itself against U.S. "aggression" and declared that relations with the U.S. had moved from "battered" to "completely broken.

Who is affected

People on the targeted vessels (including three killed in the recent strike and 11 killed in the previous strike)
Venezuelan citizens (particularly those being pressured to join the militia)
Public sector workers in Venezuela
U.S. and Venezuelan military personnel
Drug trafficking organizations operating in the Caribbean
Citizens of both countries affected by deteriorating U.S.-Venezuela relations

What action is being taken

U.S. military forces are conducting strikes against vessels allegedly carrying drugs in international waters
The U.S. has deployed warships to the southern Caribbean for counter-narcotics operations
Venezuela is flying fighter jets over U.S. Navy destroyers in response
Maduro is calling on Venezuelans to enlist in the militia
Venezuelan public sector workers are reportedly being pressured to join the militia
The U.S. is offering a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's capture

Why it matters

The military actions are significantly escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela
The strikes in international waters may violate international human rights and maritime law
U.S.-Venezuela relations have deteriorated from "battered" to "completely broken" according to Maduro
The U.S. does not recognize Maduro's re-election, citing evidence that his rival Edmundo González won by a landslide
The U.S. accuses Maduro of leading a drug cartel called the Cartel of the Suns
The situation threatens stability in the Caribbean region and could potentially escalate into broader conflict

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC