WASHINGTON – Tensions in the Caribbean have escalated further after the United States launched a second strike on a Venezuelan vessel, killing three people, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. The incident comes just days after an earlier U.S. attack in which Washington claimed eleven were killed.

On Monday, Trump announced via his platform Truth Social that he had personally authorized what he described as a “kinetic strike” against a boat allegedly carrying drugs bound for the United States. He branded those onboard as “extremely violent narcoterrorists” and posted a video showing a vessel exploding and catching fire at sea. However, he did not provide evidence that the ship was carrying narcotics.

Venezuela Condemns “Aggression”

Caracas reacted with fury, calling the American actions illegal. President Nicolás Maduro described the strike as “aggression” and said communication between Venezuela and the U.S. has virtually collapsed. He accused Washington of deliberately provoking a conflict to justify a broader military escalation in the Caribbean.

The strike follows an incident earlier this weekend when a U.S. warship reportedly boarded a Venezuelan tuna boat carrying nine crew members. According to Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil, eighteen heavily armed U.S. personnel remained on board for eight hours, preventing the fishermen from communicating, before they were eventually released under Venezuelan naval escort.

Growing U.S. Military Presence

The latest clashes come as the U.S. continues to bolster its military presence in the southern Caribbean. F-35 fighter jets have been stationed in Puerto Rico, and Reuters reports that at least seven U.S. warships, supported by a nuclear submarine, are now patrolling the region.

Washington accuses Maduro of direct involvement in international drug trafficking and has increased the reward for his capture to $50 million. Venezuela rejects those allegations, insisting that the recent victims had no ties to drug cartels.