The United States has carried out its fifth maritime strike targeting a vessel accused of drug trafficking off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in six fatalities. President Donald Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, labeling the vessel as belonging to ‘narcoterrorists’ and involved in illicit narcotics trade. This marks the latest in a series of similar strikes since September, which have collectively claimed 27 lives. However, the US has yet to provide concrete evidence or details regarding the identities of the vessels or individuals involved. The strikes have drawn criticism from legal experts and neighboring countries, including Colombia and Venezuela, who argue that the actions may violate international law. Trump defended the operation, stating that intelligence confirmed the vessel’s association with narcoterrorist networks and its use of a known smuggling route. He also shared an aerial surveillance video depicting the strike. The US has framed these actions as self-defense, despite ongoing debates over their legality. The strikes coincide with a leaked memo to Congress, which suggests the US considers itself in a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels. The deployment of warships to the Caribbean further underscores the administration’s aggressive stance. Critics argue that the strikes are part of a broader political strategy to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces a $50 million US bounty for alleged drug trafficking. Maduro has vehemently denied the accusations, while Venezuelan officials have questioned the authenticity of the footage shared by Trump.