US forces strike third alleged drug vessel killing three, Trump says

September 20, 2025

President Trump announced a US military strike on a vessel in international waters that he claimed was involved in drug trafficking. This recent attack, the third in a series of similar operations, killed three "male narcoterrorists" according to Trump's statement on Truth Social. The strike occurred in the US Southern Command's area of responsibility after US intelligence allegedly confirmed the boat was trafficking drugs.

Who is affected

The three "male narcoterrorists" who were killed in the strike
Americans who are the alleged targets of drug trafficking
Venezuelan citizens, as previous strikes targeted boats reportedly from Venezuela
US-Venezuela diplomatic relations
Communities within the US Southern Command's area of responsibility (South America and Caribbean)

What action is being taken

The US military is conducting "lethal kinetic strikes" against vessels suspected of drug trafficking
US intelligence is monitoring and identifying boats allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking
The US is targeting vessels in international waters within the US Southern Command's jurisdiction
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is condemning the US strikes
Legal experts are questioning the legality of these strikes under international human rights and maritime law

Why it matters

The strikes represent a controversial military approach to combating drug trafficking
The operations may violate international human rights and maritime law according to legal experts
The actions are increasing tensions between the US and Venezuela
The strikes demonstrate the US government's aggressive stance on preventing drugs, particularly fentanyl, from entering the United States
These operations could establish precedents for military action in international waters against suspected criminal activities

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC