A U.S. Navy operation targeting illicit drug trafficking in international waters off the coast of Venezuela on September 15, 2025, resulted in the sinking of a vessel and the deaths of three individuals. President Donald Trump described the engagement as a "kinetic strike" that led to the fatalities.
This operation marks the second counter-narcotics mission by the U.S. Navy in the region this month, aimed at disrupting the flow of narcotics. The increased naval presence in the southern Caribbean has been noted for its impact on commercial shipping routes, a development President Trump has expressed satisfaction with, suggesting it has led to a reduction in maritime traffic. The region is a critical transit corridor for commodities originating from Venezuela and neighboring nations such as Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
In response to the heightened U.S. naval activities, Venezuela has increased its military and militia presence, particularly around the Paraguana Refining Center (CRP) in Falcon state. The CRP, a significant refining complex, has been under military control since 2012. Separately, an explosion in Zulia state on September 11 injured 40 people; the government attributed this to a fireworks factory, though observers noted its proximity to energy infrastructure.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has issued strong warnings, stating that any collaboration with U.S. forces to facilitate an invasion would be considered an act of treason. He has reiterated his government's commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and resources. The geopolitical climate remains tense, with both nations maintaining elevated military readiness. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for diplomatic engagement.
This operation follows an earlier U.S. strike on September 2, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals aboard another vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Legal experts have raised questions regarding the legality of these operations under international maritime law. The U.S. administration has accused Maduro's government of facilitating drug trafficking and gang activity targeting the United States. In response to U.S. actions, Venezuela has conducted military flyovers and lodged diplomatic protests. The U.S. military has also deployed advanced assets, including F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico, to support counter-narcotics operations in the region. The U.S. has also offered a significant reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest, citing allegations of his involvement in drug cartels. The overall military buildup in the Caribbean is described as the largest since the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989.