The U.S. military carried out a strike Thursday on a boat in international waters in the Caribbean suspected of belonging to a Venezuelan drug cartel, according to a U.S. official — marking the fifth such operation under President Donald Trump and the first to leave survivors.
Previous strikes targeting suspected Venezuelan trafficking vessels have killed at least 21 people, with none surviving, officials said. The Pentagon has not disclosed how many people were aboard the latest vessel or their conditions following the attack.
The strike adds to mounting questions in Congress about the Trump administration’s handling of covert and military actions in the region. Lawmakers have complained they are being left in the dark about operations described as anti-narcotics missions but increasingly appearing to involve paramilitary targets.
Trump Confirms CIA Role in Venezuela
During a White House exchange Wednesday, Trump made a rare public acknowledgment that he authorized the CIA to take unspecified action in Venezuela.
“Why did you authorize the CIA to go into Venezuela?” a reporter asked.
“I authorized for two reasons, really,” Trump replied. “No. 1, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America. And the other thing are drugs. We have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela.”
Administration officials declined to elaborate on the scope of that authorization or whether it was connected to Thursday’s strike.
Southern Command Chief Announces Retirement
The developments came as Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command — which oversees American military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean — announced he will retire Dec. 12, barely a year after assuming the post.
“The SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation,” Holsey said in a statement. “I am confident that you will forge ahead, focused on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the globe.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised Holsey on X, saying he “exemplified the highest standards of naval leadership,” though he did not address the timing of the retirement.
The Pentagon has yet to release details about the latest strike or identify those aboard the targeted boat.
