Portuguese 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Donald Trump Announced That U.S. Military Attacked a Boat Coming From Venezuela, Killing 11 Supposed Narcoterrorists Linked to Tren de Aragua. Maduro Reacts and Calls Militiamen.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated on Tuesday (2) that American military forces conducted a lethal operation in the southern Caribbean Sea against a vessel that allegedly departed from Venezuela. According to him, the target was a group linked to Tren de Aragua, an organization considered narcoterrorist by Washington.
According to Trump, 11 people died in the attack, and no American military personnel were injured. The statement was made on his Truth Social platform and was accompanied by a video showing the explosion of a boat in choppy waters.
“Let this serve as a warning to anyone thinking of bringing drugs into the United States of America. Be careful!” the president wrote.
-
Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow since 2022, Russia claims to have intercepted nearly 200 aircraft near the capital, Kapotnya refinery targeted again, and offensive reignites alert about war reaching the Russian energy heart just a few kilometers from the Kremlin.
-
Truck drivers, freight, and fines from 2022 take center stage in politics: Chamber approves MP with amnesty, mandatory tracking by CIOT, million-dollar penalties, and new minimum wage for those who spend more than 24 hours on the road.
-
China off the radar: US plans mega $30 million weapons depot in Australia, out of reach of most Chinese missiles, with full capacity expected by 2028
-
Trump’s wall advances at a rapid pace: government promises to complete a barrier of over 3,000 km by 2027 while drones and cartels turn the US border into a new field of technological dispute
Trump Reinforces Speech Against Latin American Narcotrafficking
Still in the post, Trump emphasized that a large portion of the drugs that reach the U.S. originates from Venezuela. “We have a lot of drugs coming into our country and have had for a long time. And they were coming from Venezuela, and a lot of it was coming from Venezuela. A lot of things are coming out of Venezuela,” he claimed.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), describing the operation as a “lethal attack.” According to him, the action is part of the government’s strategy to suffocate groups designated as narcoterrorists.
Military Operations in the Caribbean and U.S. Naval Reinforcement
Since August, a fleet of American military ships has been deployed to the southern Caribbean, near the Venezuelan coast. It is estimated that 4,500 soldiers, including 2,200 Marines, are participating in the mission.
In the following week, more vessels were sent, increasing the American presence in the region. According to the White House, the goal is to combat narcotrafficking and protect national security.
Karoline Leavitt, the government spokesperson, was categorical: “He [Trump] is prepared to use all elements of American strength to prevent drugs from entering our country and to bring those responsible to justice.”
Maduro Reacts and Speaks of Resistance Against Foreign Intervention
The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, countered the accusations and labeled the operation as “interventionist pretext.” According to him, the true intention of the United States is to impose political changes in Latin America.
“The cause we defend is very great, so a regime change is not only illegal but also immoral. And they will not succeed in colonizing or enslaving Venezuela, South America, or our America,” he declared.
Maduro also announced the mobilization of 4.5 million militiamen, calling civilians to enlist in the Bolivarian Militia, a branch of the Armed Forces comprised of volunteers. In recent days, thousands of Venezuelans have lined up in Caracas to register.
History of Accusations and Sanctions Against Maduro
The relationship between Trump and Maduro has been marked by many clashes since the Republican’s first term. At that time, the American government indicted the Venezuelan president for corruption, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
More recently, the United States increased pressure. The Department of Justice announced the freezing of over US$ 700 million in assets allegedly linked to Maduro, including private jets and luxury vehicles.
Pam Bondi, Attorney General of the U.S., classified the Venezuelan president as “one of the biggest drug traffickers in the world and a threat to American national security.”
International Questioning and Allegations of Electoral Fraud
In addition to the accusations of involvement with drug cartels, Maduro’s government is facing international criticism over suspicions of fraud in the 2024 presidential elections.
Although he denies any irregularities, the Venezuelan leader has not presented the official records requested by countries such as Brazil and other global leaders.
This scenario of distrust reinforces Venezuela’s isolation in the diplomatic field and fuels Washington’s narrative, which uses the accusations as justification to increase political and military pressure in the region.
Be the first to react!