US Military Strikes Near Venezuela Claim Eight Lives

Post by : Mina Rahman

The United States has reported that eight individuals were killed in a series of military strikes targeting vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, a situation that escalates regional tensions following the recent seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker by US forces. This wave of strikes is part of Washington’s broader military escalation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Official reports indicate that three vessels were attacked while navigating international waters on Monday, categorized as “lethal kinetic strikes” by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. According to the military, three fatalities occurred on the first vessel, two on the second, and three on the third. While authorities attributed the deaths to alleged drug trafficking connections, no substantiating evidence has been made public.

This latest operation has sparked renewed international criticism regarding the legality of US military actions in the area. Since September, similar strikes have reportedly resulted in at least 90 fatalities among various vessels operating around Venezuela, including those in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Experts in international law and advocates for human rights have termed these incidents as potential extrajudicial killings outside recognized war zones.

Domestically, the attacks have ignited political scrutiny. Numerous lawmakers have interrogated Defense Secretary Hegseth about his direct role in endorsing previous strikes, particularly a September incident where a renewed attack was said to target two survivors from an earlier strike who were seen clinging to debris in the sea.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has intensified its military operations around Venezuela, deploying warships, a submarine, surveillance drones, and fighter aircraft throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Washington asserts that this buildup aims to disrupt drug trafficking routes in the region.

Venezuela, however, strongly rebuffs this rationale, alleging that US counter-narcotics operations mask ulterior geopolitical and economic ambitions. Venezuelan officials contend that the real intent behind US actions is to gain control of the country’s extensive oil and gas resources. These claims were reinforced after US forces intercepted a Venezuelan oil tanker off the coastline last week. Following this event, US President Donald Trump stated, “I assume we’re going to keep the oil,” a comment that further heightened tensions.

The situation becomes even more precarious with involvement from neighboring nations. Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will allow US military aircraft to utilize its airports in the upcoming weeks. The government positions this as a move to facilitate logistical operations, including supply replenishments and personnel rotations. Located only 12 kilometers from Venezuela at its closest point, this development could further strain relations.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has openly supported collaboration with the US, taking a firm stance against drug trafficking. She has articulated a preference for seeing traffickers “blown to pieces” rather than allowing them to jeopardize her nation's citizens.

In retaliation to these developments, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared that Venezuela would cease gas supplies to Trinidad and Tobago. This decision, as reported by state media, signifies a deterioration in diplomatic and economic ties as military tensions in the region continue to rise.

The evolving situation underscores growing instability in the Caribbean and northern South America, raising alarms concerning sovereignty, international law, and the broader ramifications of increasing military initiatives in strategically significant waters.