The Caribbean region has recently witnessed an escalation in U.S. military operations, with the United States admitting to carrying out at least five airstrikes on vessels off the coast of Venezuela that it claims were transporting drugs, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people.

This campaign, part of former President Donald Trump’s policy against “drug terrorism,” comes amid official Venezuelan condemnation and international questions over the legality of using lethal force in international waters.

Trump justifies the strikes as “saving lives”

President Donald Trump announced the continuation of these strikes, emphasizing that the operations are necessary to protect the American people.

In controversial remarks, Trump cited a specific figure to justify the actions, stating: "For every boat we destroy, we save 25,000 Americans."

Venezuela files complaint with the U.N. Security Council

The measures have been met with outrage from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government, which accused Washington of “aggression” and “violating sovereignty.”

Caracas has formally requested the United Nations Security Council to open an international investigation, labeling the U.S. strikes as “illegal” and asserting that they targeted civilian vessels and killed people with no proven involvement in drug trafficking.

Venezuela also claims that the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, including warships and advanced fighter jets, is an attempt to destabilize the region rather than merely combat drug trafficking.

Questions over evidence

Although Trump released video footage showing the targeted boats being destroyed, the U.S. administration has yet to provide concrete evidence to Congress or the international community proving that all targeted vessels were indeed carrying drugs or that those killed were classified as “drug terrorists.”