"This morning, under my orders, US forces conducted a second airstrike against known, violent drug-trafficking terrorist gangs," former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on 15/9.

Footage of the US strike on the suspected drug boat from Venezuela on 15/9. Video: Independent

Trump added that the strike occurred in international waters within the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility, as the boat was heading toward the US. He described the drugs as "deadly weapons poisoning our people."

"These extremely violent drug-trafficking gangs pose a threat to our national security, foreign policy, and vital interests," he said, adding that the US attack killed three "terrorists."

The suspected drug boat targeted by the US military on 15/9. Photo: CNN

The suspected drug boat targeted by the US military on 15/9. Photo: CNN

Less than two weeks prior, Trump announced the US military sank another suspected drug boat from Venezuela, killing 11 people believed to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Then-Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declined to provide details about the operation, but affirmed the US had "every right to do it."

Tensions between the US and Venezuela have recently escalated as Washington deployed military assets to the Caribbean, including the USS Iwo Jima and F-35 fighter jets. Then-Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that years of intercepting drug boats proved ineffective, so the US would now "blow them up" instead of pursuing them.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said last week that his country "does not want" a conflict with the US. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro previously criticized the increased US military presence in the Caribbean, declaring that Caracas "will never succumb to any act of coercion or threat."

Thanh Tam (CNN, AFP)