The United States announced on Friday that it sank a vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking in international waters, within the area of responsibility of Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
According to the information from the White House, in the action three men identified as "narcoterrorists" died, with no casualties reported for U.S. forces, according to the provided data.
According to Donald Trump, it was a “lethal kinetic attack” against a boat affiliated with a terrorist organization, after intelligence services confirmed it was transporting illegal narcotics and was sailing along a known smuggling route “with the aim of poisoning Americans.”
"Intelligence services confirmed that the vessel was trafficking in illegal narcotics and was traveling along a well-known drug trafficking route with the aim of poisoning Americans. The attack killed three male narco-terrorists aboard the ship, which was located in international waters," said the president.
The text attributes the operation to a direct order from Trump: "By my order, the Secretary of War was instructed" to carry out the attack on the ship.
The communication adds a warning message to those trafficking fentanyl and other drugs and committing acts of violence and terrorism against U.S. citizens: "!Stop selling fentanyl, narcotics, and illegal drugs in the United States, and stop committing acts of violence and terrorism against Americans!"
The Trump report does not specify the flag of the ship or the exact location; it only places the incident in international waters and within the geographic jurisdiction of SOUTHCOM. It also does not report any additional material damage or arrests related to the operation.
Southern Command is the combat command of the U.S. Army that encompasses 31 countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
These events occur amidst rising tension between the United States and Venezuela, following the deployment of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean Sea with the stated goal of combating drug trafficking.
The Trump administration accuses Maduro of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns and offers a reward of 50 million dollars for information that leads to his capture, an accusation that the Venezuelan government denies.
This Tuesday, Trump claimed that U.S. military forces sank three vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities in the Caribbean Sea, coming from Venezuela.
"We sank boats. In fact, there were three boats, not two, but you saw two," the president declared from the White House before departing for the United Kingdom on a state visit.
Last week, the Venezuelan government reported that a U.S. destroyer "illegally" boarded a Venezuelan vessel with nine fishermen on board, in waters that Caracas considers part of its territory.
Maduro, for his part, warned that communications with Washington are "in ruins" and asserted that Venezuela is "better prepared" for a possible scenario of "armed conflict."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sinking of Vessels Linked to Drug Trafficking by the U.S.
Why did the United States sink a vessel in international waters?
The United States sank a vessel in international waters because, according to the Donald Trump administration, it was carrying illicit drugs and was linked to a terrorist organization. The operation was part of a strategy to combat drug trafficking and protect Americans from these threats.
What organizations are linked to the vessels attacked by the U.S.?
The vessels attacked by the United States are linked to the Tren de Aragua, an organization designated as a "narcoterrorist" by Washington, and it is accused of operating under the regime of Nicolás Maduro. This organization is associated with drug trafficking and other criminal activities in the region.
What has been the Venezuelan government's reaction to these attacks?
The Venezuelan government, led by Nicolás Maduro, has rejected the accusations of drug trafficking and has labeled the attacks from the United States as a threat and an aggression against its country. Maduro has warned that Venezuela is prepared for a possible scenario of armed conflict.
What is the stance of other countries on the U.S. military action in the Caribbean?
The U.S. military operation has generated criticism and concerns in the region. The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, described the attack as an "assassination," arguing that those involved are often poor young people exploited by drug trafficking networks. The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) called for a meeting to discuss the situation.
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