Trump says US forces destroyed drug-laden boat from Venezuela

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that American forces targeted and destroyed a boat carrying drugs after it departed Venezuela.

“Our forces opened fire on a boat transporting drugs. There were large quantities of narcotics on board. So, we eliminated it,” Trump said, according to Agence France-Presse.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on X that the vessel was operated by a “designated terrorist drug organization.”

The announcement comes as Washington recently unveiled plans to strengthen its naval presence in waters off Venezuela in a bid to counter threats from Latin American drug cartels.

While the United States has made no mention of any planned ground incursion involving the thousands of troops being deployed, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government responded by mobilizing forces along the country’s coastline and its border with Colombia. Maduro also urged Venezuelans to join civilian militias in preparation for possible escalation.