U.S. Strikes Venezuelan Vessel: Trump Says “We’ll Invade by Land”

The United States has killed two people in a strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean allegedly carrying drugs. President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. could seek Congressional approval if it decides to expand operations onto land.

Second Strike in the Pacific

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that three people died in the second strike in the Pacific, and no U.S. soldiers were harmed. The attack occurred about eight hours after the U.S. announced its first strike in the region. Hegseth added that both vessels were known to U.S. intelligence and believed to be carrying drugs along known international smuggling routes.

Trump Signals Land Operations

Speaking at the Oval Office, President Donald Trump said the U.S. has legal authority to continue maritime strikes, but could seek Congressional approval if operations are expanded to land. “We are allowed to do this, and if we do it on land, we can report back to Congress,” he said.

U.S. Anti-Drug Strategy

During the Oval Office meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Trump, “If people don’t want to see drug vessels blown up, they should stop sending drugs to the U.S.” Hegseth also stated in an interview that “narco-terrorists will find no safe harbor anywhere in our hemisphere,” comparing drug cartels’ threats to past attacks by extremist groups.

Impact of the Strikes

The Trump administration reported that at least 34 people have been killed in recent strikes, most occurring in the Caribbean and Pacific. Two survivors from the latest attacks were returned to Colombia and Ecuador; Ecuador later released one man after finding no evidence of wrongdoing, while the other remained hospitalized.

Rising Tensions

Following the strikes, Trump defended the operations as a “national security issue.” The incidents come amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and the Colombian government. Trump also targeted Colombian President Gustavo Petro, warning, “He better be careful, or we will take very serious actions against him and his country.”