The US military has once again struck a Venezuelan vessel, killing at least three people.
President Donald Trump stated that the ship was traveling in international waters on its way to the United States and was transporting narcotics.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump also shared a nearly 30-second video appearing to show a ship exploding and then catching fire.
Tensions between the two countries escalated after the US deployed warships in the southern Caribbean in what officials called counter-narcotics operations, carrying out a strike that killed 11 people.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Caracas would defend itself against American aggression, adding that relations with the United States have been destroyed by their bomb threats.
Maduro stated that his government would exercise “fully” its legitimate right to self-defense.
The US and many other countries have not recognized Maduro’s re-election in July 2024, citing evidence gathered by the opposition with the help of independent observers showing that his rival, Edmundo González, had won the elections by a landslide.
US officials have also accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel known as the “Cartel of the Suns” and are offering a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture.
