Top admiral resigns: US military attacks alleged drug ship in the Caribbean

For weeks, the US has been repeatedly attacking suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean. The admiral previously responsible for the attacks was unexpectedly relieved of command of the operations. Shortly thereafter, he resigned.

According to media reports, the United States has launched another attack on a boat allegedly loaded with drugs in the Caribbean. ABC News, citing a U.S. government official, reported that, contrary to U.S. claims in previous attacks, there were survivors in Thursday's attack. According to CNN, citing two U.S. government officials, there are also believed to be survivors among the crew. However, their condition is unclear.

The United States has been repeatedly attacking boats in the Caribbean for weeks, citing its fight against drug trafficking as the reason. According to US government figures, more than 20 people have already been killed in these attacks. The actions have drawn widespread criticism, partly due to legal concerns.

Further controversy was caused by a surprise announcement by Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth that the leading admiral of the US Southern Command, Alvin Holsey, would retire at the end of the year. He was originally expected to serve for about two years. However, the Department of Defense had previously determined that operations against suspected drug smugglers in the region would no longer be led by the Southern Command. Instead, a special unit would be established for these operations.

Trump approves CIA missions

Just last Wednesday, it was also revealed that Trump had authorized operations by the CIA in Venezuela. He also announced that he now intends to combat drug smugglers on land. US media also recently reported that several US B-52 long-range bombers had approached the Venezuelan coast.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused the US government on Thursday of waging "psychological warfare" to intimidate the South American country. The CIA has been active in Venezuela for 60 years, but this is the first time Washington has openly announced it, he said in a speech in Caracas. It is a "clumsy and crude interventionist policy" aimed at regime change.

Just last month, the White House stated that it "considers the Maduro regime illegitimate." The United States is challenging the 2024 election in Venezuela—the authoritarian president, Maduro, was sworn in for a third term until 2031, despite allegations of fraud, nationwide protests, and international criticism.