The strike, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, destroyed a suspected drug vessel, killing 11, but raised questions on legality and escalation.

The United States military has carried out a lethal strike against a suspected Venezuelan drug vessel in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 people on board. The incident, announced by President Donald Trump on Sep. 2, 2025, represents the first known use of direct military force against a drug cartel’s maritime operations since the deployment of additional U.S. warships to the region. Contents The strike, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, destroyed a suspected drug vessel, killing 11, but raised questions on legality and escalation. Announcement and Initial Details Unclear Circumstances Unusual Military Escalation Legal

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