The President of the United States, Donald Trump, confirmed this Saturday that the two survivors of the U.S. military attack on a boat suspected of transporting drugs in the Caribbean will be repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia, their countries of origin.
In a post on his social network Truth Social, Trump stated that it was “a great honor to destroy a massive submarine that was transporting drugs to the United States” and claimed that U.S. intelligence confirmed that the vessel was carrying “mainly fentanyl and other illegal drugs.”
The official added that two of the crew members died during the operation and that the two survivors “are being repatriated for detention and prosecution” in their countries.
The decision prevents the US government from having to define the legal status of those captured in the American judicial system, explained Associated Press (AP), the outlet that reported the information.
The attack occurred on Thursday in the Caribbean, near the coasts of Venezuela, and is part of a military offensive led by Southern Command against vessels suspected of drug trafficking. This is the sixth known operation in the region since September, and the first in which survivors have been reported.
According to reports from Reuters, EFE, and CBS News, the attack was not officially communicated by the Pentagon, and the initial information came from U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity.
Military escalation in the Caribbean
The repatriation of the survivors occurs in a context of growing tension between Washington and Caracas, following Trump's announcement that he authorized the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuelan territory, with the reasoning of combating drug trafficking and controlling migration.
The government of Nicolás Maduro described the measure as a “direct aggression” and warned that it might declare a state of emergency.
Since August, Southern Command has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, with destroyers, nuclear submarines, F-35 fighter jets, and B-52 bombers, in what U.S. officials describe as "a show of force" against what they consider drug trafficking networks linked to the Cartel de los Soles.
The episode marks a new chapter in Trump's offensive against drug trafficking in the Caribbean and could further strain relations with Venezuela, as U.S. military operations in the region continue.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Repatriation of Survivors from the Attack on a Drug Boat in the Caribbean
What happened during the attack on the drug boat near Venezuela?
The attack was part of a U.S. military operation in the Caribbean against a vessel suspected of transporting drugs. During the operation, two crew members were killed and two survived, who will be repatriated to their countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia. The attack is part of a broader strategy by the United States against drug trafficking in the region.
What is the context of the United States' military escalation in the Caribbean?
Since August, the U.S. Southern Command has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, including destroyers, nuclear submarines, and F-35 aircraft, as part of an offensive to combat drug trafficking. This military deployment has intensified due to rising tensions with Venezuela, which views these actions as a direct threat.
How has the Venezuelan government reacted to the U.S. attacks?
The government of Nicolás Maduro has described the actions of the United States as a "direct aggression" and has warned about the possibility of declaring a state of emergency. Venezuela accuses the U.S. of trying to provoke a regime change and has mobilized troops in preparation for a possible aggression.
What is the United States' stance on covert operations in Venezuela?
President Donald Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela with the stated aim of combating drug trafficking and controlling migration. This decision has heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, as Venezuela views these actions as a violation of its sovereignty.
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