U.S. Military Strikes Drug Vessel from Venezuela
- Navy intercepted a vessel in the Caribbean Sea believed to be carrying illegal drugs and originating from Venezuela.
- President Donald Trump announced the operation during a White House press briefing, stating the vessel "was carrying a tremendous amount of cocaine." The Globe and Mail reported that...
- U.S.Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed the operation, stating that the vessel was detected and monitored while transiting the Caribbean Sea.
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What Happened?
On March 24, 2020, the U.S. Navy intercepted a vessel in the Caribbean Sea believed to be carrying illegal drugs and originating from Venezuela. This marked the first known military operation following a recent increase in U.S. naval presence in the region, initiated under the Trump administration. The operation involved destroying the vessel, according to statements from U.S. officials.
The Interception and Destruction
President Donald Trump announced the operation during a White House press briefing, stating the vessel “was carrying a tremendous amount of cocaine.” The Globe and Mail reported that the vessel departed from Venezuela and was operated by an organization designated as a “narco-terrorist organization” by U.S. authorities, according to Senator marco Rubio.
U.S.Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed the operation, stating that the vessel was detected and monitored while transiting the Caribbean Sea. SOUTHCOM’s official release detailed that the vessel was assessed to pose an immediate threat and was subsequently destroyed. The specific type of vessel and the exact quantity of drugs onboard were not instantly disclosed.
Background and U.S. Strategy
The interception occurred amidst escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The Trump administration had been actively seeking to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro,