On September 2, 2023, the U.S. military conducted a lethal strike on a vessel linked to the Tren de Aragua, a notorious narco-terrorist organization accused of trafficking drugs from Venezuela. The operation was highlighted by former President Donald Trump, who shared footage of the attack, asserting that it was part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and protect Americans from the harms of narcotics.
Following the strike, Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War, defended the actions of the military on social media platform X, stating, “Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them.” This statement aimed to contrast the current administration’s approach to drug trafficking with that of the Trump administration, which emphasized aggressive military action against drug traffickers.
According to reports from reputable news sources like The Washington Post and CNN, the military ordered a second strike against the same vessel after initial operations revealed two survivors. The commander overseeing the operation indicated in a secure conference call that these survivors represented ongoing threats, as they could potentially alert other traffickers. Hegseth reportedly directed that all targets must be eliminated.
In his post, Hegseth expressed frustration over media coverage, claiming it undermined military efforts. He stated, “As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.”
Hegseth further elaborated on the nature of these strikes, describing them as “lethal, kinetic strikes” aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and neutralizing those involved. He emphasized that every individual targeted was linked to a “Designated Terrorist Organization,” indicating the seriousness of the threat posed by these groups.
The Secretary of War criticized the Biden administration’s strategy, suggesting it was too lenient and allowed dangerous cartels to infiltrate communities. “The Trump administration has sealed the border and gone on offense against narco-terrorists,” he stated, reinforcing his belief that military action is essential in this fight.
In a separate communication, Hegseth declared that U.S. operations in the Caribbean comply with both U.S. and international law, asserting that they had the necessary legal backing from military and civilian lawyers at every level of command.
As part of the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, Trump announced plans to intensify actions against Venezuelan drug traffickers on land as well. “From sending their poisons into the United States, where they kill hundreds of thousands of people a year — but we’re going to take care of that situation,” he noted.
Trump claimed that maritime efforts had already made significant progress, stating that approximately 85% of trafficking attempts by sea had been thwarted. He added that land operations would commence soon, as they are “easier” to execute.
The developments signal a continued commitment from the U.S. government to combat drug trafficking through military means, a strategy that remains contentious among political and public circles. Further commentary from the Biden administration on these military actions has not yet been made available.
