US strikes another vessel off Venezuela coast, killing six

October 14, 2025

The United States has conducted its fifth strike against vessels allegedly trafficking drugs in international waters, with the latest operation killing six people off Venezuela's coast. President Donald Trump announced the strike on Truth Social, claiming the vessel belonged to "narcoterrorists" and posting aerial footage of the missile hit, though no evidence of drug trafficking or identification of those killed was provided. This action follows a leaked memo indicating the administration considers itself in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels, allowing for expanded wartime powers.

Who is affected

Six people killed on the vessel struck by the US military
The 27 total people reported killed in the five US strikes since September
Venezuelan government and President Nicolás Maduro
Drug trafficking organizations operating in the region
Neighboring nations like Colombia that have condemned the strikes

What action is being taken

The US is conducting military strikes against vessels accused of drug trafficking
The Trump administration is deploying multiple warships to the Caribbean
The US is positioning these strikes as self-defense actions
The US has announced a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest
Venezuela's government is responding with anger to the US military actions

Why it matters

The strikes represent an escalation in US military actions against alleged drug trafficking
The US appears to be expanding its use of wartime powers by framing the situation as a "non-international armed conflict"
The operations may violate international law according to some legal experts
The strikes are increasing tensions with Venezuela and neighboring countries
The actions could be part of a wider political campaign to pressure Venezuela's Maduro government

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC