Drug-related incidents in the Caribbean: Eleven fatalities following US raid on narcotics vessel

The relationship between the USA and Venezuela in 2025 is marked by a high level of tension and adversarial exchanges. This escalation stems from accusations levelled against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his officials for narcoterrorism, US naval deployments near Venezuela framed as counter-narcotics missions, and strong Venezuelan military and militia mobilization in response.

In a recent development, President Donald Trump publicly celebrated a military strike in the southern Caribbean as a success. The strike targeted a suspected smuggling boat, and according to US reports, eleven people are dead, whom Trump refers to as "terrorists." Trump posted video footage of a boat allegedly leaving Venezuela with drugs on board being destroyed.

The USA has accused Maduro of violating US drug laws and bringing cocaine into the USA. The US government has increased the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to up to $50 million (around €43 million). The so-called Cartel de los Soles, a crime syndicate of military officers, is said to control the drug trade in Venezuela. The Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is also involved in the drug trade, contributing to the growing problem of fentanyl in the USA, which causes quick and strong addiction.

The US government has set visa restrictions against drug dealers, their family members, and business partners. The USA accuses several countries, including Venezuela, Mexico, and Canada, of not doing enough to prevent cartels from flooding the United States with drugs. In response, US warships have been sent off the coast of Venezuela to intercept illegal drug transports.

Maduro had sworn himself in for a third term until 2031, despite a disputed election, nationwide protests, and international criticism. He describes the US military presence in the Caribbean as "the greatest threat" in a century and has threatened armed resistance in the event of an attack. Maduro demands respect for Venezuelan sovereignty, warning of war if attacked.

The USA doubts the legitimacy of the 2024 election in Venezuela, further straining relations between the two nations. As the standoff continues, both sides remain steadfast in their positions, raising concerns about the future of relations between the USA and Venezuela.