US Military Releases Video of Strike on Venezuelan Cartel Boat, 11 Killed in Narco-Terrorism Operation

The U.S. military on Tuesday released dramatic video footage of a precision strike against a Venezuelan cartel vessel in the Caribbean, confirming that 11 suspected traffickers were killed in the operation. Officials said the attack was part of a broader campaign to dismantle narco-terrorism networks that funnel drugs and weapons across international waters.

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The Strike and Its Targets

According to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the strike occurred late Sunday night, September 1, when surveillance aircraft identified a fast-moving cartel boat believed to be carrying narcotics and arms destined for Central America. After repeated warnings were ignored, U.S. naval assets engaged the vessel, resulting in its destruction.

“The operation was carried out in accordance with international law and rules of engagement,” said Rear Adm. Thomas Greene, a spokesperson for SOUTHCOM. “The targeted group had been linked to transnational criminal organizations with ties to narco-terrorist financing.”

Officials noted that the strike prevented what they described as a “major delivery” that could have fueled violence in multiple countries.

Video Footage Released

The Pentagon released declassified footage showing thermal imagery of the strike. The video depicts the cartel boat attempting evasive maneuvers before being hit by precision munitions, followed by secondary explosions believed to be from onboard weapons or fuel.

Defense analysts say the decision to release the footage underscores Washington’s effort to demonstrate transparency in its regional anti-trafficking campaign. “By making the video public, the U.S. is sending a message to cartels and foreign governments that operations are being conducted with precision and accountability,” said Dr. Michael Ruiz, a Latin America security expert.

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Tied to Narco-Terrorism Fight

The strike comes amid heightened U.S. efforts to disrupt narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean and South America. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Venezuelan-linked cartels have increasingly served as intermediaries for cocaine and weapons shipments from South America to Mexico and the United States.

The Treasury Department has previously sanctioned several Venezuelan officials accused of facilitating trafficking operations, while SOUTHCOM has expanded maritime patrols in coordination with regional allies.

“This is not just about drugs,” Adm. Greene emphasized. “The revenue from these shipments funds terrorism, destabilizes governments, and endangers communities far beyond Venezuela.”

Reactions in Caracas and Beyond

Venezuelan officials swiftly condemned the strike, calling it a violation of sovereignty. Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza accused Washington of carrying out “an act of piracy on the high seas” and vowed to bring the issue before international forums.

In contrast, several Caribbean and Latin American governments welcomed the action. Colombia’s defense minister praised the U.S. strike as “a necessary blow against networks that threaten regional stability.”

Broader Implications

Security experts warn that while such strikes deal short-term setbacks to traffickers, cartels often adapt quickly. “This is a high-profile success, but the structural challenge remains,” said Ruiz. “Cartels operate like multinational corporations — when one route is blocked, they find another.”

Nevertheless, U.S. officials argue the operation highlights the effectiveness of expanded maritime patrols and intelligence-sharing agreements. The video release also marks a rare glimpse into the real-time tactics of America’s narco-terrorism campaign.

Conclusion

As debates over U.S. foreign policy intensify, the strike on the Venezuelan cartel boat underscores the complexity of combating transnational crime. For Washington, the operation demonstrates both military reach and political resolve. For Caracas, it is another flashpoint in its deteriorating relationship with the United States.

With 11 suspected traffickers dead and a vessel destroyed, the incident is certain to escalate tensions in a region already fraught with competing interests and fragile security.