Sixth Strike Launched Against Venezuelan Drug Traffickers As Trump Vows Escalation

U.S. military forces conducted a strike on October 16, 2025, targeting a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in at least one death and the seizure of at least two survivors, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to the matter’s sensitivity.

The operation involved a semi-submersible or submersible vessel believed to be engaged in drug smuggling from Venezuela. This marks the sixth such strike in the region since August 2025, and the first instance where survivors were reported and detained by U.S. forces. The individuals are being held aboard a U.S. military vessel, though their next steps, including potential legal proceedings, remain unclear.

The strike brings the total death toll from the series of operations to at least 28. Previous actions included:

– September 1, 2025: Airstrike on a speedboat from Venezuela, killing 11 people. The Trump administration alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang and drug transport, releasing video footage of the incident.

– September 15, 2025: Second strike killing three men on a vessel affiliated with a designated terrorist organization.

– September 19, 2025: Third strike killing three individuals on another drug-carrying boat.

– October 3, 2025: Fourth strike, with reports of Colombian nationals aboard.

– October 14, 2025: Fifth strike killing six men near Venezuela’s coast, confirmed by intelligence as linked to narcoterrorist networks.

All strikes occurred in international waters off Venezuela’s coast. The U.S. has deployed significant assets to the Caribbean, including guided-missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and approximately 6,500 troops, as part of efforts to combat drug cartels.

The campaign stems from President Donald Trump’s directive in August 2025 to use military force against Latin American drug cartels, labeling smugglers as “narcoterrorists” and treating them as unlawful combatants. On October 1, 2025, the administration notified Congress of a “non-international armed conflict” with these groups. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that operations would continue, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated potential for further actions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the strikes on October 16, 2025, stating: “The president campaigned on using every lever of power to go after the drug cartels who have been trafficking illicit poison into our country for far too long.” She added that the actions have resulted in “less boats with lots of drugs coming into the shores” of the U.S., and emphasized Trump’s transparency through declassified videos.

The Dominican Navy assisted in recovering drugs from one destroyed vessel, the AP reported.

The latest strike comes after President Donald Trump suggested Thursday that airstrikes on Venezuelan territory have not been ruled out. The president has also authorized covert activities as part of the increasing war on Venezuelan cartels.