The attack was directed against “drug terrorists” by Tren de Aragua, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. There he also published a video that shows a boat that is attacked and catches fire. “The attack took place while the terrorists were at sea in international waters and illegal drugs transported towards the United States,” wrote Trump. “Eleven terrorists were killed in the attack.”
Trump explained that the gang tren de Aragua, which he often mentions in the context of his tough approach to irregular migration, “under the control” of Venezolan President Nicolás Maduro. The United States had classified Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization this year.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote in online service X: “The US military conducted a fatal blow (…) against a drug ship that had stored in Venezuela and was operated by a proven anesthetic terrorist organization.” The United States would continue to proceed with all his might to “eradicate” drug cartels.
With the sending of several warships, Trump had recently increased the pressure on Maduro. According to media reports, Washington also plans to send 4,000 naval fountains to the region.
Maduro then announced that it would mobilize more than four million militia officers. On Monday, he said Venezuela had a total of “8.2 million” militia officers and the reservists – this number is questioned by experts. According to Maduro, the United States sent “eight military ships with 1200 rockets and a submarine” to target its country. He spoke of the “biggest threat in 100 years”.
Washington had recently doubled a bounty exposed to Maduro to $ 50 million (around 43 million euros) – according to US information, this is the bounty ever exposed by the USA.
