President Trump introduced the strike Tuesday in a submit on Fact Social, saying the vessel had been “just off the Coast of Venezuela” and was “transiting along a known designated terrorist organization” route. Mr. Trump mentioned intelligence confirmed that the boat was trafficking narcotics and referred to the boys aboard as “narcoterrorists,” however supplied no different data.
This was the fifth such strike on an alleged drug vessel within the Caribbean. Figures launched by the administration say 27 folks have been killed within the strikes.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service mentioned it was “aware of the reports” that residents of the nation, which lies lower than 10 miles off the coast Venezuela, had been on the vessel. Police mentioned they’re conducting inquiries, however mentioned that the knowledge “is yet to be fully verified through official channels” and mentioned they might not verify any particulars. The company mentioned an announcement can be launched as soon as data was verified, and requested for “patience and understanding” amid “this complex situation.”
A ship burns off the coast of Venezuela on this display screen seize taken from a video launched October 14, 2025, depicting what U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned on a submit on Fact Social was a U.S. strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat.
DONALD TRUMP VIA TRUTH SOCIAL by way of Reuters
Police mentioned in a cellphone interview with Agence France-Presse that residents of the village of Las Cuevas reported two Trinidadians have been believed to be on the sunken vessel.
Lawmakers from each events have been expressing rising concern concerning the strikes and frustration with the lack of know-how from the White Home as to their intent. Some Republicans are looking for extra particulars from the White Home on the authorized justification for the actions, whereas Democrats contend they violate U.S. and worldwide legislation. A conflict powers decision that might have barred the Trump administration from conducting the strikes with out Congressional authorization didn’t move the Senate final week.
