U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 2nd (local time) that he had bombed a Venezuelan drug trafficking vessel, eliminating 11 terrorists.
On the same day, President Trump stated through the social networking service (SNS) Truth Social, "This morning, the U.S. military, under my command, attacked TdA drug terrorists identified in the Southern Command area."
President Trump explained, "This attack was conducted while the terrorists were heading toward the U.S. in international waters to transport illegal drugs. As a result of this action, 11 terrorists were killed, and there were no casualties among U.S. forces."
He emphasized, "TdA is a terrorist organization operating under the control of Nicolás Maduro (the current president of Venezuela) and is committing mass killings, drug trafficking, sexual exploitation, violence, and acts of terrorism throughout the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere."
Additionally, President Trump added, "I hope this serves as a warning to anyone thinking about bringing drugs into the United States."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said to direct specific questions about the attack to the Ministry of National Defense, noting, "No matter where the drug cartels are, we will fight against any activities that are against U.S. interests."
Earlier, in February, the United States designated TdA and other drug trafficking cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. In efforts to block drug trafficking, three EGIS vessels were also deployed to the Caribbean around Venezuela. President Maduro has expressed his intent to fight back, raising concerns that both sides may clash directly.
Last month, President Trump referred to President Maduro as "one of the drug traffickers" and raised the reward for information leading to his arrest.