Venezuela has accused the United States of waging an “undeclared war” in the Caribbean, demanding a United Nations investigation into a series of American military strikes that have killed more than a dozen alleged drug traffickers in recent weeks.
Washington has deployed warships to international waters off Venezuela’s coast, supported by F-35 fighter jets stationed in Puerto Rico, as part of what it describes as an anti-drug operation. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez condemned the campaign, claiming individuals were being “executed without the right to a defense” during maritime raids.
His comments came just hours before U.S. President Donald Trump announced another strike, reporting the deaths of three more alleged “narcoterrorists.” That brought the total number of fatalities in recent weeks to 17. The U.S. did not specify when the latest attack occurred, only that it took place within the Southern Command’s jurisdiction, which spans Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.
The operations have sparked debate over their legality, with critics noting that drug trafficking is not a capital offense under U.S. law. Washington has also faced questions for failing to provide evidence that the targeted vessels were engaged in narcotics smuggling.
Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab escalated the rhetoric, accusing the U.S. of committing “crimes against humanity” and urging the UN to investigate. He alleged that American forces had used missiles and heavy weaponry against defenseless fishermen.
The heightened tensions come amid the largest U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean in decades, fueling fears of a potential attack on Venezuelan territory. In response, Caracas launched three days of military exercises this week on La Orchila, a Caribbean island near where U.S. forces recently intercepted a Venezuelan fishing vessel.
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