U.S. Navy Targets Suspected Drug Vessel Off Venezuela as Trump Vows Crackdown on Land Routes

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces struck another vessel allegedly carrying illegal drugs off the coast of Venezuela on Saturday night. Speaking at Naval Station Norfolk beside the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, Trump praised the Navy’s recent operations, saying the military had been instrumental in targeting “cartel terrorists” in the Caribbean.

“In recent weeks, the Navy has supported our mission to blow the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water,” Trump declared. “We did another one last night. Now we just can’t find any. They’re not coming in by sea anymore, so now we’ll have to start looking about the land.”

The latest operation, which reportedly killed four people, is believed to be linked to a series of strikes announced by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier in the week. Hegseth later confirmed on Fox News that he has “every authorization needed” to carry out such missions in the Caribbean.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the U.S. actions, calling them acts of aggression. In a video message on Telegram, Maduro said, “Our people have never and will never be afraid to defend their right to live and be free. We will be ready to face any scenario.” Meanwhile, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil stated that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed “full support and solidarity” with Caracas in a recent phone call.

Gil also revealed that Maduro sent a letter to Pope Leo XIV, seeking the Vatican’s assistance in “consolidating peace in Venezuela.” The Venezuelan government has yet to comment directly on Trump’s latest statements.

The continued U.S. operations reflect Washington’s escalating efforts to curb drug trafficking in the region, signaling a potential expansion of anti-cartel measures from sea to land.