The US under Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Venezuela after destroying a small boat in the Caribbean Sea on 2nd September, killing 11 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TDA), accused of drug trafficking and declared a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US. Trump’s administration claims the strike was part of a counter-narcotics campaign under the 2001 AUMF and counterterrorism provisions, deploying destroyers, submarines, and surveillance aircraft in the Caribbean. Critics argue this violates international law, as drug smuggling does not justify lethal force, and the UN Charter allows force only in self-defense or with UNSC approval.
Venezuela and Colombia condemned the strike as illegal, while Trinidad and Tobago supported tough measures against traffickers. Maduro has mobilized troops and militias, framing it as resistance to US regime-change attempts. With Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and strong ties to China and Russia, the move raises concerns of US strategic interests. War is not declared, but escalation is clear.
