US strike on alleged drug boat in Pacific kills four, as Trump accuses Venezuela of taking ‘our oil’

The GuardianThursday, December 18, 2025 at 5:29:23 AM
US strike on alleged drug boat in Pacific kills four, as Trump accuses Venezuela of taking ‘our oil’
  • The US military conducted a lethal strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, claiming it was involved in drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. This operation, confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is part of a broader campaign against alleged narco-trafficking, which has seen a total of 99 fatalities since September. President Trump has intensified pressure on Venezuela, accusing it of seizing US oil amidst these military actions.
  • This development underscores the escalating military engagement of the US in the Pacific region, particularly against drug trafficking linked to Venezuela. The strike reflects the Trump administration's strategy to confront what it perceives as threats to national security and economic interests, particularly in relation to oil resources that are vital for Venezuela's economy.
  • The recent military actions, including the blockade of sanctioned oil tankers and the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, highlight a significant escalation in US-Venezuela relations. This situation raises concerns among lawmakers about the potential for further military conflict, as the Venezuelan government has condemned these actions as acts of piracy, indicating a deepening geopolitical crisis in the region.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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