The United States destroyed a drug-laden ship originating from a Venezuelan cartel.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced that U.S. forces destroyed a ship linked to a narcoterrorist cartel that had departed from Venezuela. During a press conference, the President stated: “Just a few minutes ago, we literally took down a ship carrying a lot of drugs. Many things are coming out of Venezuela.”

The operation, which took place in the southern Caribbean, was also confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio through his social media accounts. Rubio explained that “today the U.S. military carried out a lethal strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug ship that had departed from Venezuela and was being operated by a designated narcoterrorist organization.”

The announcement comes amid a context of high tension between the United States and Venezuela. Recently, Washington deployed a fleet of at least eight warships off the Venezuelan coast, including destroyers and a fast-attack nuclear submarine, with an approximate total of 6,700 personnel.

The Trump administration explained that this military presence aims to confront drug trafficking and protect regional and national security, while also serving as a way to pressure the regime of Nicolás Maduro, who controls and collaborates with various narcoterrorist groups.

Meanwhile, Maduro described the U.S. deployment as “the greatest threat in 100 years” and warned that Venezuela is, according to him, “super prepared” to defend its sovereignty. In response, he mobilized the Bolivarian militia and called on thousands of citizens to reinforce national defense.

In parallel, the Trump administration increased the reward offered for Maduro's capture to 50 million dollars, under accusations of leading the narcoterrorist group “Cartel de los Soles.” So far, no details have been released regarding human casualties or the exact amount of drugs destroyed, although more precise information about the operation is expected in the coming hours.