BORDER CRACKDOWN: U.S. WARSHIPS KILL 11 ON VENEZUELAN 'NARCO' BOAT; MORE MILITARY STRIKES ON CARTELS COMING

Senior U.S. officials said military operations against drug cartels will continue after a U.S. strike killed 11 people on a Venezuelan vessel alleged to be carrying narcotics. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged more strikes and a sustained U.S. military presence in the southern Caribbean, while the Pentagon has not disclosed legal justification or operational details. The deployment includes multiple warships and Marines, prompting concern from Venezuela and questions about escalation and possible U.S. intentions toward the Maduro regime. Legal experts warned the lethal strike may violate international law, and Venezuelan officials questioned U.S.-released evidence, fueling regional tensions and debate over the use of force in counter-narcotics operations with border implications.