A new U.S. naval attack in the Caribbean, near Venezuelan shores, has reignited the debate on the legality, scope and consequences of U.S. military operations in the Western Hemisphere.
On Thursday, U.S. officials confirmed that the U.S. Army attacked a sixth suspected drug trafficking vessel in international waters near Venezuela, with survivors reported for the first time.
What is known about the attack?
Trump admits that the CIA is operating in Venezuela and that they could assassinate President Nicolás Maduro.
It is okay to agree or disagree with the Venezuelan government but it is absolutely reprehensible that in the 21st century we allow this type of imperialist actions #EEUUTerroristState pic.twitter.com/NZ4xIDVd77
– Guille Vidal (@eltemagv) October 15, 2025
According to official sources cited by media outlets such as Reuters, this attack is part of an ongoing campaign by the Southern Command against vessels that Washington claims are linked to drug transit.
Prior to this event, previous actions had left at least 27 people dead among several simultaneous operations.
In this new incident, there is evidence of survivors, which makes it the first incident in which not all the occupants have reportedly lost their lives.
The attack was not announced publicly by President Donald Trump as he usually does on his networks, but government sources confirmed it internally.
According to the arsenal of statements so far released, Trump had authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations, and suggested that military operations could be extended inside Venezuela.
Why this escalation?
Since August 2025, the United States has deployed multiple ships, aircraft and associated assets to the Caribbean, particularly in the area south and southeast of Venezuela.
The official discourse is to combat maritime drug trafficking, something Trump and his officials have identified as a direct threat to U.S. territory.
But legal critics, international law experts and regional governments warn that such attacks could violate Venezuela’s sovereignty and defy international humanitarian law.
The Venezuelan government reacted immediately: it submitted a letter to the UN Security Council requesting that the attacks be declared illegal and demanding a declaration supporting its maritime sovereignty.
Caracas has denounced these operations as aggressions aimed at destabilizing the country, in addition to mobilizing boats and militias to guard its coasts.
Filed under: Survivors boat attack Venezuela