The US military struck a ship linked to Venezuelan drug cartels in international waters off the coast of the Caribbean Sea. According to the Pentagon, the vessel was transporting a shipment of drugs bound for the United States, and four crew members were killed during the operation. This is the third such operation this month targeting the so-called "shadow fleet" of criminal groups.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in an official statement that such measures are necessary to protect national security. "The strikes will continue until attacks on the American people cease," he emphasized, underscoring Washington's resolve in the fight against transnational crime.

In August, US forces bolstered their presence in the southern Caribbean, deploying three destroyers and several support ships. In international waters, they destroyed at least two speedboats with 14 crew members on board, which, according to intelligence, were being used for drug smuggling. President Donald Trump then reiterated the escalation, declaring that "strikes against drug cartel vessels will continue."