The United States carried out yet another military operation off Venezuela’s coast on October 14, destroying a vessel suspected of drug trafficking and killing six people, according to President Donald Trump.

The action, authorised under Trump’s authority as Commander in Chief and coordinated with the Secretary of Defense, occurred within the operational area of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). 

On his Truth Social profile, Trump shared a black-and-white video showing the vessel immobilised and struck by a missile, describing it as linked to a designated terrorist organisation and transporting illicit substances along a known trafficking route.

"The strike was conducted in International Waters, and six male narcoterrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the strike. No US Forces were harmed," Trump said.

Caracas condemned the operation as an “armed aggression” designed to destabilise the country and seize natural resources. 

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello ordered the mobilisation of troops and the activation of the “Independencia 200” defence plan along coastal and border areas, while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez labelled the attacks on the vessels “extrajudicial executions.” 

The strike forms part of Washington’s broader Caribbean strategy, involving warships and F-35 aircraft deployed to Puerto Rico, aimed at disrupting alleged drug flows from the region.

The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Maduro of leading the "Cartel de los Soles" and collaborating with Mexican cartels to supply cocaine to the United States. In August, the US doubled its bounty for information leading to his arrest to $50mn.

In Washington, the strike sparked debate over its legality and objectives. Lawmakers questioned the constitutionality of attacks in international waters and sought clarification on the designation of the targeted organisations. 

Reports suggest a Department of Justice memorandum may have authorised CIA participation, though Attorney General Pam Bondi did not confirm its existence. 

This is the fifth such operation targeting a vessel suspected of narcotics trafficking in international waters since September. Across these incidents, 27 fatalities have been reported, though the Pentagon has yet to release evidence or identifying information regarding the vessels involved or their occupants. 

With formal diplomatic relations severed and tensions mounting, several analysts have warned that Washington may be laying the groundwork for regime change in Venezuela, potentially through military intervention.