The US has struck another vessel off the coast of Venezuela, killing six people, President Donald Trump has said. In a post on Truth Social, Trump indicated that the vessel belonged to narcoterrorists and was involved in drug trafficking. This operation marks the fifth strike by the Trump administration targeting boats accused of drug trafficking since September, with a total of 27 fatalities reported. However, the US has provided little evidence regarding the identities of the vessels or those on board.

Legal experts have raised concerns about potential violations of international law, while neighboring countries like Colombia and Venezuela have condemned the strikes. In his Truth Social post, Trump claimed, intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks, and was transiting along a known smuggling route. He additionally shared an aerial video showing the missile strike on the vessel.

The President did not disclose the nationalities of those aboard or the specific drug trafficking organization involved. He reassured that no US military personnel were harmed in the incident. This strike follows a leaked memo suggesting that the US is engaged in a non-international armed conflict with drug cartels. While the US is framing these strikes as acts of self-defense, their legality has been contested by many legal authorities.

***This breaking news story is being updated, and further details will be available shortly.***}