US Conducts Tenth Strike on Suspected Drug Trafficking Vessel in Caribbean

The United States has conducted another strike against a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, suspected of being operated by the Tren de Aragua criminal organization. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that six individuals aboard the ship were killed in the operation. This marks the tenth such strike since early September, as part of an ongoing effort to combat drug trafficking in the region.

President Donald Trump has described these operations as measures to curtail the flow of narcotics into the United States. However, the legality of these strikes has been questioned by members of Congress from both parties. On September 10, 25 Democratic senators wrote to the White House, alleging that a previous strike was conducted "without evidence that the individuals on the vessel and the vessel's cargo posed a threat to the United States." Republican Senator Rand Paul has also argued that such military actions require congressional approval.

In response, President Trump stated that he possesses the legal authority to order these strikes and has designated the Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization. He remarked, "We're allowed to do that, and if we do (it) by land, we may go back to Congress." Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, "If people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, stop sending drugs to the United States."

The recent operation brings the total number of fatalities from these strikes to at least 43. Analysts suggest that these actions may also serve to exert military pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. has accused of leading a drug-trafficking organization—a claim Maduro denies.