US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the United States recently launched another strike in the Caribbean against alleged drug traffickers. This operation specifically targeted members of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, a group notorious for drug trafficking in the region.
Details of the Strike
The strike, which took place on a Friday, resulted in the deaths of six male individuals identified as narco-terrorists. This marks the tenth such military operation conducted by the Trump administration since early September.
Background of Operations
- Most strikes have occurred in the Caribbean and off the coast of South America.
- Earlier operations extended to the Pacific Ocean on October 21 and 22.
Hegseth shared footage of the operation on social media, illustrating how a targeted boat was destroyed, enveloped in smoke following the explosion. These military actions have been positioned as part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking.
Political Response
The legality of these strikes has raised eyebrows among both Democratic and Republican members of Congress. Concerns have been expressed regarding President Trump’s authority to order such military actions without congressional approval.
- On September 10, 25 Democratic senators wrote to the White House questioning the justification for a strike that occurred earlier that month.
- Senator Rand Paul, a Republican, emphasized that congressional approval should be sought for military strikes.
In defense of his actions, Trump maintains that he possesses the legal authority to execute these strikes and has formally designated Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization. He stated, “If we do it by land, we may go back to Congress.”
Ongoing Implications
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the sentiment that cooperation from drug traffickers is paramount to ceasing the destruction of drug boats. The recent strike elevates the total fatalities from US operations to at least 43 individuals since September.
Analysts believe that these military operations are not solely focused on curbing drug trafficking. There is widespread speculation that they also aim to exert military pressure on the Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, who has been a long-standing adversary of Trump.
