U.S. Military Strikes Drug Vessel in Caribbean, Survivors Reported

U.S. military forces conducted a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean on Thursday, resulting in several fatalities and leaving survivors for the first time in recent operations, according to a U.S. official.

The status of the survivors, whether they have been rescued or taken into custody, remains unclear. This operation marks the sixth strike since September, with previous strikes resulting in 27 deaths and no survivors reported. The targets of these strikes have been linked to Venezuelan drug cartels amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The Pentagon has not commented on the legality of these operations.

This incident follows a series of military actions aimed at curbing drug trafficking in the region, which has seen increased activity from Venezuelan cartels. For further context, Venezuela has positioned troops on its Caribbean coast and mobilized a militia of millions, indicating heightened military readiness in the area.