The US military has launched a strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people. Officials said the boat was moving through areas known for illegal drug trafficking.
According to the US Southern Command, intelligence agencies closely tracked the vessel before the attack. They confirmed that it was using routes commonly linked to narcotics smuggling.
“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” the US Southern Command said.
First Strike Since Trump’s Order on Maduro
This operation is significant because it is the first military strike ordered since President Donald Trump recently authorised the capture of Venezuela’s former president Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.
The US Southern Command said the strike resulted in the deaths of two individuals it described as “narco-terrorists”. Meanwhile, forces are still searching the area for a possible survivor.
The military also released video footage of the attack. The clip shows the boat speeding through the water before it suddenly explodes and bursts into flames.
Sharp Rise in US Maritime Operations
Since early September, the Trump administration has sharply increased maritime enforcement near South America. As part of this effort, the US military has carried out more than 30 strikes on vessels suspected of drug smuggling.
According to the Associated Press, these operations have caused the deaths of more than 100 people in total. The campaign reflects Washington’s growing focus on cutting off drug supply routes by sea.
Focus Shifts to Venezuelan Oil Tankers
In recent days, US military attention has moved beyond drug boats to oil shipments linked to Venezuela. Just last week, US forces operating in the Caribbean Sea seized an oil tanker.
President Trump said the tanker had connections to Venezuela, highlighting Washington’s broader strategy of applying pressure on the country’s energy trade.
Venezuelan Lawmakers Move to Open Oil Sector
Meanwhile, political developments are unfolding inside Venezuela. On Thursday, Venezuelan lawmakers gave initial approval to proposals that would open the oil sector to private investors.
This move could allow major US energy companies to return to Venezuela. Such a change has long been a key demand of President Donald Trump.
Less than three weeks after the US-led removal of Nicolas Maduro, lawmakers approved the bill in its first reading. The proposed law would let private firms independently explore and extract oil.
End of Long-Standing State Control
If lawmakers approve the bill in a second reading, it would undo decades of strict state control over Venezuela’s oil industry. These controls were strengthened in the mid-2000s under Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s mentor and a leading socialist figure.
The bill is being pushed by Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former deputy, who is now serving as acting president. Since taking charge, she has overseen a rapid improvement in relations with Washington.
This shift signals a major change in Venezuela’s economic and political direction, especially in its approach to foreign investment and US ties.