Donald Trump strike: 11 killed as US President targets Tren de Aragua narcotics vessel from Venezuela
US President Donald Trump has issued a blunt warning after authorising a “kinetic strike” on a boat in international waters, killing 11 people allegedly from a terrorist organisation.
On Tuesday morning, local time, Mr Trump ordered the air strike, which he says targeted members of the infamous terrorist group Tren de Aragua in the Caribbean.
“Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility,” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“TDA is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, operating under the control of Nicolas Maduro, responsible for mass murder, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and acts of violence and terror across the United States and Western Hemisphere.
“The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in International waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United States.
“The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action. No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike.”
WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
Mr Trump has long had Tren de Aragua in his sights, using horrific crimes committed by its members in his political campaigning, and using the terrorist organisation as justification for crackdowns on crime and immigration.
The US President has also stepped up efforts since reelection to wage war on illicit drugs, including the supply of opioids like fentanyl, and has put high tariffs on countries that he says are fuelling the crisis.
In a video of the strike that Mr Trump authorised, a boat with the alleged “Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists” on board can be seen exploding as the “kinetic strike” hits the vessel.
“Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America,” Mr Trump wrote when sharing the video.
“BEWARE! Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The strike was also mentioned as Mr Trump gave his first press conference in a week.
“Over the last few minutes, literally, we shot out a boat, a drug carrying boat, a lots of drugs in that boat.”
Mr Trump said that the strike was also overseen by Air Force General Dan Caine who helped conduct Operation Midnight Hammer, which saw 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (GBU-57A/B MOP) “bunker buster” bombs dropped on the Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant in Iran.
Mr Trump said the boat came out of Venezuela.
