Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have soared to unprecedented levels. The U.S. military announced it had engaged in a recent offensive, targeting a ship in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the death of four individuals. The United States claims it targeted an alleged drug-trafficking boat on Wednesday in the Eastern Pacific, leading to these casualties. In reaction, Venezuela has ordered its Navy to escort vessels carrying petroleum products from their ports, escalating the risk of confrontation between the two nations.
Detailing the Eastern Pacific assault, the U.S. military reported that a Wednesday attack on another drug-smuggling vessel resulted in four fatalities.
The U.S. military affirmed on X, "Under directives from Pete Hegseth on December 17, the Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal strike on a vessel operated by a designated terrorist group in international waters."
SOUTHCOM added that no U.S. personnel sustained injuries during the assault.
Wednesday's strike marked the second incident that week; previously, on Monday, the U.S. targeted three drug-smuggling boats in the Eastern Pacific, leading to eight deaths.
Further Reading: 'Venezuela Encircled by Warships...', Trump Issues Battle Warning, Maduro's Government Labelled Terrorist, Oil Tanker Blockade
This U.S. action is part of the Trump administration's "Operation Southern Spear," which, since September 2025, has resulted in strikes on 26 boats, with at least 99 fatalities.
Concurrently, following a declaration to completely blockade oil tankers, the Venezuelan government has ordered its Navy to escort oil tankers. U.S. President Donald Trump has decreed a total blockade on vessels exiting Venezuela with oil, which could nearly halt Venezuelan oil tanker movement. Venezuela, countering Trump's decision, has mobilized its Navy to escort the tankers.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump declared on social media that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), citing involvement in drug and human trafficking. Venezuela has approached the United Nations Security Council, seeking a meeting to discuss the ongoing U.S. hostility.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both nations to de-escalate immediately, asking them to adhere to their international law obligations.
