A recent US military strike that resulted in the deaths of 11 people on a drug-laden boat is now the subject of intense debate and investigation. A new report casts doubt on the assertion that the boat was traveling to the United States, a claim prominently made by former President Donald Trump. Trump had declared on Truth Social that the strike successfully neutralized ‘narco-terrorists from Venezuela’ trafficking illegal drugs toward the US, labeling them a severe national security menace and reporting three casualties. Contrary to this, an admiral involved in the operation informed lawmakers that the boat’s trajectory was towards a rendezvous with a larger ship bound for Suriname. Although the possibility of the drugs eventually reaching the US was mentioned, drug enforcement professionals often point to Suriname as a hub for European markets. Additionally, a high-ranking official suggested the boat might have been heading for Trinidad or another Caribbean destination, further diverging from the US-bound narrative. It was reported that the vessel had turned around prior to the US forces initiating the attack. The boat was hit four times, with the first impact causing it to break apart, leaving two survivors who were subsequently killed by further strikes that led to its sinking. The Defense Secretary is facing calls to release the full video recording of the operation for clarity. He indicated the footage is under review but stopped short of promising its release. The admiral affirmed that the mission’s objective was the elimination of all 11 individuals and the complete destruction of the boat.
