How many people have died in US attacks on drug boats near Venezuela?

Since September 2025, the United States has intensified its military operations in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific, targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking. These actions have resulted in multiple casualties, generating international controversy and questions about their legality and effectiveness.

These operations have been justified by the United States government as part of a strategy to combat drug trafficking and terrorism in the region.

As of October 24, 2025, ten lethal attacks by U.S. forces have been recorded. In total, at least 43 people have lost their lives in these operations. Of the documented attacks, seven are known to have resulted in fatalities, while three reported survivors.

For example, in the October 16 attack, two people survived and were repatriated to their home countries to face legal charges.

The offensive began on September 2 with an attack on a vessel linked to the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan group designated by the United States as a narco-terrorist. Throughout September, several attacks were carried out in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people .

On October 3, an attack off the coast of Venezuela left four dead. On October 14, another attack killed six people, and on October 16, a semi-submersible was destroyed, leaving two dead and two survivors.

On October 21, the first attack occurred in the Pacific, off Colombia, resulting in the deaths of two people. On October 22, another attack in the same region left three dead. Finally, on October 24, a nighttime attack in the Caribbean killed six people , all allegedly linked to the Aragua Train.