# US Military Strikes in International Waters Raise Legal and Diplomatic Concerns
A second lethal engagement authorized by former President Trump against suspected drug traffickers in South American waters is fueling debate over the legality of the operations and escalating tensions with Venezuela.
The US Armed Forces killed three individuals in a recent operation targeting a vessel allegedly transporting illegal narcotics from Venezuela, former President Donald Trump announced Monday via his Truth Social platform. This incident marks the second such “kinetic attack” ordered by Trump in less than two weeks,following a previous operation that resulted in the deaths of 11 people allegedly linked to the Venezuelan gang,Train de Aragua.
“This morning, under my orders, the US military forces carried out a second kinetic attack against drug trafficking and narco-terrorist cartels, positively and remarkably violent identified, in the area of ​​responsibility of the South command,” Trump stated. He characterized the individuals killed as “Venezuelan,confirmed narcoterrorists” who were transporting “a mortal weapon Americans!” – illegal narcotics – toward the United States.
The former president asserted that these cartels pose a significant threat to US national security, foreign policy, and vital interests. He confirmed that no US personnel were injured during the operation.
The latest announcement comes amid heightened military presence in the region.The United States has deployed assets including the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and 10 F-35 fighter aircraft to Puerto Rico. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Yván Gil, has stated that Venezuela does “not commit to a conflict” with the United States, “nor wishes” one.
Though,questions are mounting regarding the legal justification for these actions. CNN reported last week that officials within the Department of Defense have not presented conclusive evidence linking the targets of the first attack to the Train de Aragua. Moreover, reports suggest uncertainty about the vessel’s course, with one source noting the boat altered direction, raising doubts about whether it posed an immediate threat.
A senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jack Reed, voiced strong concerns, stating, “There is no evidence, none, that this attack has been executed in self-defense.” He emphasized that, under both national and international law, the US military lacks the authority to use lethal force against civilian vessels unless acting in self-defense.
Despite these concerns, officials within the Trump governance have defended the operations. The Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has maintained that the United States possesses “the absolute and complete authority to carry it out.” He alluded to the potential for lethal consequences for those involved in drug trafficking targeting the US, stating, “We knew exactly who they were, what they did, what they represented and why they went where they went.” When pressed for details on this knowledge, Hegseth declined to elaborate.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hegseth have both indicated the possibility of further operations, with Rubio stating the US “will fight to drug cartels that are flooding the US streets and killing Americans” following the first attack.
The lack of transparency surrounding these operations is also drawing criticism. Details regarding the intelligence used to identify targets, the rules of engagement, and the post-incident assessments remain largely undisclosed. The first operation, on March 26, targeted vessels off the coast of Venezuela. The US Navy destroyer USS Stethem and a coast Guard cutter were involved in the initial engagement. The vessels were reportedly carrying over 9,000 kilograms of cocaine, valued at over $350 million.
