Unwavering commitment to continued action against criminal cartels, while maintaining silence regarding the Venezuela episode

In a significant development, the US military conducted a strike on a Venezuelan vessel in the Caribbean on Tuesday, marking the first known operation since President Donald Trump's recent deployment of warships to the region. The operation, which reportedly targeted a vessel carrying illegal narcotics, resulted in the deaths of 11 people.

The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, confirmed the military's involvement and stated that operations against cartels would continue. Hegseth also aimed his comments about Venezuela's close relationship with China at Nicolas Maduro, the country's president.

The Trump administration has been vocal about its stance against drug trafficking, with the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest being doubled to $50 million, accusing him of links to criminal groups. The administration has also designated the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group. Trump asserted that "massive amounts of drugs" were found on the boat.

However, the operation has sparked controversy, with Mary Ellen O'Connell, an expert on international law, stating that Tuesday's operation "violated fundamental principles of international law." Venezuelan officials suggest the footage shared by Trump of the exploding boat was created with artificial intelligence. The Pentagon has not released specifics about the crew nor the reason for killing those on board.

The strike has been met with support from some quarters, including Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who claims it is aimed at saving lives in Venezuela and the US. Machado is the country's most popular opposition figure, despite being barred from running in the 2024 presidential election.

The Caribbean buildup of seven US warships and one nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, with more than 4,500 sailors and Marines, has been a topic of concern for Venezuelan officials. They suggest it is meant to justify an intervention against them, with Maduro accusing Trump of seeking "regime change."

US Marines and sailors have been conducting amphibious training and flight operations in southern Puerto Rico as part of this operation. The US military operation against the suspected drug vessel is reminiscent of the US fight against militant groups like al Qaeda, according to some analysts.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the US's stance against drug trafficking and its relations with Venezuela continue to be a point of contention, potentially escalating tensions in the region.