The United States has confirmed that four people were killed in a recent strike on a boat in the Caribbean, marking the 20th such attack on vessels in the region. The operation, ordered by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, targeted what officials described as a narcotics-trafficking vessel, though no evidence was presented to back up the claim.
The strike comes amid growing concerns that Washington may be preparing for more aggressive military moves in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela. Senior US officials reportedly met several times this week to discuss potential military options, raising alarm among regional governments.
A video released by the US military showed an aircraft striking a small boat before it exploded into flames. Critics, including human rights and international law experts, say the repeated strikes amount to extrajudicial killings, noting that many of the individuals killed were suspected but never tried or convicted of any crime.
In recent months, at least 80 people have been killed in US attacks on suspected drug-carrying vessels in both the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Growing Military Presence in the Region
Washington has been steadily increasing its military footprint near Venezuela. The arrival of a massive carrier strike group in the Caribbean has pushed the number of US sailors and Marines in the region to around 12,000. The deployment includes advanced fighter jets, warships, and a nuclear submarine.
This expanded military posture has been officially named Operation Southern Spear.
President Donald Trump has indicated he may continue ordering lethal operations without seeking formal authorization from Congress, arguing that those transporting drugs into the US are legitimate targets.
A recent national poll, however, shows that most Americans do not support the campaign. Only a small percentage favor the targeted killings or potential military intervention in Venezuela.
Regional Leaders Condemn the Escalation
Governments across Latin America have strongly criticized the US buildup. Several leaders say the strikes violate a long-standing regional agreement that designates Latin America and the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace”.
Cuba, Brazil, and Colombia have voiced concern that the growing US presence threatens regional sovereignty. Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has accused Washington of attempting to provoke a permanent conflict, saying his country has prepared a massive defensive deployment if an attack occurs.
Maduro, whose government has struggled under heavy US sanctions, warned that the recent actions suggest the US is trying to manufacture a war in the region.
Meanwhile, fear and uncertainty continue to rise across Latin America, as residents and leaders watch closely to see whether Washington’s growing military presence will lead to open confrontation.