The US military has launched another strike in the Caribbean — this time hitting a vessel said to be linked to a terrorist-designated drug cartel, killing three people.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the attack, saying it was ordered by President Trump. The strike happened in international waters and no American troops were hurt.
Officials say this is part of a larger campaign targeting cartel operations at sea:
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70 people killed
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17 strikes since September 2
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18 boats destroyed
But the policy is raising serious questions.
The US is calling the suspects “unlawful combatants,” meaning they can be killed without trial — based on a classified legal opinion the public hasn’t seen. Human rights groups and some lawmakers say the government hasn’t shown proof that the targeted boats were linked to drug cartels.
Meanwhile, Washington is also increasing military pressure around Venezuela, while accusing President Nicolás Maduro of involvement in the drug trade.
US officials say there are no current plans for strikes inside Venezuela.
