U.S. Vice President JD Vance has defended a military airstrike that sank a suspected Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean on September 2, killing 11 people.
The boat was linked by U.S. officials to the Tren de Aragua gang, which the Trump administration recently declared a terrorist organization. On X, Vance wrote, “Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military.”
Critics, including commentator Brian Krassenstein, called the attack a possible war crime. Vance rejected the criticism, saying, “I don’t give a sh*t what you call it.”
White House stance
The Trump administration said the strike is part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking. President Donald Trump warned on Truth Social: “Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said more operations could follow. Hegseth added, “It won’t stop with just this strike.” White House officials insisted the action was legal under international law because it targeted a group that threatens U.S. security.
Criticism and doubts
Some lawmakers, including Senator Rand Paul and Representative Jerry Nadler, questioned the strike’s legality. They pointed to the UN Charter, which allows force only in self-defense or with UN approval. Critics also noted that the identities of the 11 people killed have not been confirmed.
International law experts said the operation may be viewed as extrajudicial killings that break global rules.
Divided response
Supporters, including Representative Scott Perry, said the strike was justified. Perry accused Venezuela of helping Russia send fentanyl into the U.S. and called such actions “acts of war.”
Reactions online have been divided, with some praising the strike as a bold stand and others warning it could lead to dangerous escalation.
Rising tensions
The strike followed the deployment of seven U.S. warships, 2,200 Marines, surveillance aircraft, and a nuclear submarine near Venezuela. Reports suggest Washington may consider more strikes, including inside Venezuelan territory.
The operation shows the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on drug cartels but raises fears of greater conflict in Latin America and strained regional relations.
