"The attacks have killed dozens so far. The strikes are a part of a broader pressure campaign on Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro. The Department of Defense did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment Monday. Pre-strikes: Boats head to Venezuela In mid-August, the U.S. sent warships, spy planes, fighter jets, bombers and drones to the waters off Venezuela. This came after the U.S. increased the bounty on Maduro over alleged drug trafficking."
"Strike 1: Pentagon's "precision strike" The Pentagon announced a "precision strike against a drug vessel operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization" on Sept. 2, kicking off Trump's campaign. Trump posted a video of an attack, saying it killed 11 alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a cartel based on Venezuela. Friction point: The Washington Post recently reported that the initial strike lit the boat on fire, but two survivors clung to the wreckage. The report alleges that Hegseth personally ordered a second strike to kill everyone aboard the boat."
U.S. forces deployed warships, spy planes, fighter jets, bombers and drones to waters off Venezuela in mid‑August after the U.S. increased the bounty on President Nicolás Maduro over alleged drug trafficking. The Pentagon announced a "precision strike" on Sept. 2 against a drug vessel tied to a designated narco‑terrorist organization, which Trump said killed 11 alleged Tren de Aragua members. Subsequent strikes on Sept. 15 and Sept. 19 reportedly killed three people each, bringing reported deaths to 17, and a later announced strike reportedly killed four. The Washington Post reported survivors and alleged orders for a second strike; Hegseth denied the allegation and Trump expressed support. The Department of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Read at Axios
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