U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that American forces carried out a lethal attack on a boat in international waters, killing 11 Venezuelans whom Washington hastily labeled as “narcoterrorists.”

The strike marks a dangerous escalation in U.S. efforts to destabilize the government of President Nicolás Maduro under the guise of a so-called “war on drugs.”

Trump posted a video of a speedboat explosion on his Truth Social platform, boasting that the attack was conducted “on my orders.” He claimed, without presenting verifiable evidence, that the targeted individuals were part of the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua and directly controlled by President Maduro.

The Venezuelan government has condemned such rhetoric as politically motivated slander aimed at justifying Washington’s military buildup in Latin America and its long-standing regime change agenda.

The deadly strike comes amid the deployment of eight U.S. Navy warships to Latin American waters, including three amphibious assault ships, destroyers, a cruiser, and a littoral combat ship. Venezuela has described the buildup as a direct threat to regional stability and sovereignty.

Last week, Caracas formally petitioned the United Nations to demand the “immediate cessation” of the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. President Maduro has since declared a state of “maximum readiness” to defend Venezuelan territory, stressing that the nation is prepared for “a period of armed struggle” should U.S. forces attempt an invasion.

Trump’s aggressive announcement was backed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a longtime opponent of the Bolivarian Revolution. Rubio vowed that Washington would use the “full might” of the United States to pursue cartels and reiterated unfounded claims linking Venezuela’s leadership to organized crime.

Analysts point out that the U.S. has routinely weaponized accusations of “narcoterrorism” to discredit governments it opposes. Despite years of sanctions, oil embargoes, and threats—including a $50 million bounty placed on President Maduro—Washington has failed to overthrow Venezuela’s democratically elected government.

In response, President Maduro reaffirmed Venezuela’s commitment to defend its sovereignty against imperialist aggression. “The people of Venezuela are ready to resist any attack. No warship, no bomb, and no false narrative will erase our right to self-determination,” he declared on national television.

Observers note that the U.S. strike—carried out in international waters—raises serious legal and moral questions. By unilaterally targeting Venezuelan nationals and parading the video as a propaganda tool, Trump risks further international condemnation and increased tension across the Caribbean.

Since returning to office, Trump has intensified the “maximum pressure” strategy first launched during his 2017–2021 term. This policy, which includes crippling sanctions and economic warfare, has been widely condemned by humanitarian organizations for worsening hardship among ordinary Venezuelans.

Despite Washington’s efforts, President Maduro has remained in power, bolstered by the steadfast support of the Venezuelan people and allies who reject U.S. interference.

For many in Latin America, the latest U.S. attack is not about drugs but about power—an attempt to intimidate Venezuela and reassert U.S. dominance in the region. But Caracas has made clear: Venezuela will not surrender its independence to imperial designs. (ILKHA)