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The move follows Washington’s recent decision to expand its naval presence off Venezuela to counter Latin American drug cartels, though officials have not signaled any plans for a land incursion. In response, President Nicolás Maduro has ordered troop deployments along the coast and border with Colombia and urged Venezuelans to join civilian militias.
Why It Matters
The U.S. strike on the vessel follows increased tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela after Trump’s return to the White House in January. The U.S. Navy recently mobilized around 4,500 troops around the Caribbean, targeting the drug trade out of Venezuela to the U.S.
What To Know
Trump said Tuesday that the strike had a significant impact on a vessel carrying a large quantity of drugs. On Sunday, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López declared that the country is ready to confront “any attack” from the United States, while Maduro has called the U.S.’ mobilization “an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have also publicly opposed the U.S. moves in the Caribbean, warning they could escalate already high tensions.
What People Are Saying
On Truth Social, Trump stated that the strike had occurred while terrorists were at sea transporting illegal narcotics to the United States. Rubio said Trump “is going to be on offense against drug cartels and drug trafficking in the United States,” which destabilizes not just the country but the entire Caribbean basin. He added that President Trump is using all of America’s power to eradicate these drug cartels.
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said at a press conference: “President Donald Trump, the pursuit of regime change is exhausted; it has failed as a policy worldwide…You cannot pretend to impose a situation in Venezuela.”
Former national security adviser Michael Flynn commented on X: “Let’s Make Venezuela Great Again by capturing these terrorist group leaders. Get them off the streets and help the people of Venezuela have a vastly better life. The citizens of Venezuela don’t deserve to live under the tyrannical rule of Maduro or any of his henchmen!”
What Happens Next
It was not immediately clear if further action would be taken by the U.S. Navy against Venezuela, but Trump promised more details on the strike later in the day.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update 9/2/25, 4:30 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 9/2/25, 5:50 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information and remarks.
Update 9/2/25, 6:45 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional remarks.
