Venezuela Rejects U.S. Claims Over Caribbean Boat Strike

Venezuela’s government has denied U.S. allegations that 11 people killed in a military strike on a boat in the Caribbean were members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said none of the victims had links to drug trafficking, calling the attack a “murder committed against citizens using lethal force.” He questioned how U.S. forces determined drugs were on board and why arrests were not made.

The Trump administration said the strike targeted narcoterrorists smuggling drugs into the U.S. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly described the victims as criminals linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom Washington considers illegitimate. She reaffirmed U.S. accusations that Maduro is tied to drug trafficking networks.

Following the incident, Maduro announced the deployment of military, police, and civilian defense units at 284 locations across Venezuela. He said the country is ready for an “armed fight if necessary,” accusing Washington of trying to topple him. His government previously ordered an additional 25,000 troops to secure states bordering Colombia, a major drug trafficking hub.

Despite Maduro’s announcement, Reuters reporters in Venezuelan cities observed no significant troop buildup. Still, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of its anti-narcotics operations.

Tensions between Washington and Caracas have escalated in recent months. The U.S. recently doubled its reward to $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s capture, accusing him of drug trafficking and links to criminal organizations. Maduro has consistently denied these claims, maintaining Venezuela is not a drug-producing country.

The dispute underscores the deepening conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela, with both sides trading accusations amid heightened military maneuvers and political hostility.