US military forces carried out a significant operation on Wednesday, targeting yet another Venezuelan drug vessel in the Eastern Pacific. This strike, executed under Joint Task Force Southern Spear, resulted in the deaths of four individuals identified as members of a Designated Terrorist Organization, according to US Southern Command. This operation represents the 26th such strike against Venezuelan drug boats, raising the total number of narcoterrorists killed in these missions to 99.
A statement released by US Southern Command on X noted the details of the operation. “On Dec. 17, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters,” it explained. The intelligence indicated that the targeted vessel was traveling along a recognized narco-trafficking route and engaged in illicit drug operations. At no point during this operation were US military forces harmed.
Earlier on the same day, Tucker Carlson brought attention to speculation regarding an impending war with Venezuela. He mentioned that “Members of Congress were briefed yesterday that a war is coming, and it’ll be announced in the address tonight.” Though Carlson admitted uncertainty about the situation, his comments highlighted the rising tensions surrounding U.S.-Venezuelan relations.
Despite Carlson’s speculation, President Trump did not announce any plans for war in his Friday address from the White House. However, if the situation continues to escalate, military action may not be far off. On Monday, just prior to the Wednesday strike, US forces already destroyed three Venezuelan drug boats, an indication of the intensity of operations in the region.
In a related move, President Trump signed an Executive Order on Monday designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, illustrating the gravity of the drug crisis and its implications for national security. The following day, he ordered a complete blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, signaling a firm stance against drug trafficking and hostile actions coming from the regime.
The recent military operations and strategic measures reflect a decisive U.S. response to the escalating issues with Venezuela. With each boat disabled and each operation carried out, the U.S. aims to disrupt the networks fueling narcotrafficking and violence. As the situation unfolds, global attention remains focused on how these decisions will shape the future of relations with Venezuela.
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