Survivors reported after latest U.S. military strike on suspected Venezuelan drug cartel boat
A recent U.S. military drone strike targeted a suspected Venezuelan drug cartel boat in international waters of the Caribbean Sea,resulting in several survivors-the first known case of survivors from such strikes. Two to three individuals reportedly survived the attack,though details on casualties and the number of people on board remain unclear. This strike marks the sixth authorized by the Trump administration to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela into the U.S., with at least 27 deaths from previous strikes. Following the attack, U.S. forces conducted search and rescue operations, but it is uncertain if survivors were rescued or their condition.The incident coincided with the abrupt resignation of Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, who oversaw these operations. While no official reason for his departure was given, anonymous sources suggested concerns about the mission and attacks on the cartel boats. The strikes have drawn bipartisan political concern over the authorization and legality of targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels.
Survivors reported after latest U.S. military strike on suspected Venezuelan drug cartel boat
A U.S. military drone strike on Thursday on a suspected Venezuelan narcoterrorist vessel in international waters in the Caribbean Sea left several survivors.
Two to three people reportedly survived after the alleged cartel boat was hit, said a U.S. official, according to Reuters. It is believed to be the first time there were any survivors during such military strikes.
It was the sixth known strike against a suspected drug-transporting vessel authorized by the Trump administration as part of efforts to combat illegal drug-trafficking from Venezuela into the U.S. The number of casualties from this particular strike is currently unknown, as is the number of people aboard the boat. There have been at least 27 known fatalities from the previous U.S. military strikes.
According to reports, U.S. military personnel initiated search and rescue efforts after the strike, including using a rescue helicopter. The survivors’ injuries, if any, are reportedly unknown, and it is currently unclear if the U.S. rescued any of the survivors, Fox News reported.
The revelation of the strike and subsequent survivors on Thursday came as it was revealed that Admiral Alvin Holsey, the leader of the U.S. Southern Command, who oversaw the campaign on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, was resigning.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth spoke highly of Holsey in a post on X announcing his resignation.
“On behalf of the Department of War, we extend our deepest gratitude to Admiral Alvin Holsey for his more than 37 years of distinguished service to our nation as he plans to retire at year’s end,” said Hegseth. “A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Admiral Holsey has exemplified the highest standards of naval leadership since his commissioning through the NROTC program at Morehouse College in 1988.”
“Throughout his career—from commanding helicopter squadrons to leading Carrier Strike Group One and standing up the International Maritime Security Construct—Admiral Holsey has demonstrated unwavering commitment to mission, people, and nation,” he added. “His tenure as Military Deputy Commander and now Commander of United States Southern Command reflects a legacy of operational excellence and strategic vision.”
TRUMP VOWS TO STOP VENEZUELAN DRUG TRAFFICKERS BY LAND, APPROVES CIA OPERATIONS
No official reason was given for Holsey’s abrupt resignation, who is leaving after serving less than a year in his current position. However, the New York Times cited claims from “one current and one former U.S. official, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personal matters,” attributing the resignation to “concerns about the mission and the attacks on the alleged drug boats.”
Elected officials from both parties have also expressed concerns over the Trump administration’s authorization to strike suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
