Tue Oct 14 20:45:12 UTC 2025: **Here’s a news article summarizing the text:**

**U.S. Conducts Fifth Strike on Vessel off Venezuelan Coast, Raising Concerns Over Legality**

**CARIBBEAN SEA** – The United States carried out another air strike on a vessel in international waters off the coast of Venezuela on Tuesday, marking the fifth known attack of its kind and bringing the total death toll to 27, according to President Donald Trump. Trump claims the vessel was engaged in “narcotrafficking” and affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO).

In a social media post, Trump stated that six “male narcoterrorists” were killed in the strike, which he authorized under his authority as Commander-in-Chief. No evidence has been provided to support the claim that the boat was involved in drug trafficking. A video released by Trump appeared to show a stationary boat being hit by a missile.

This latest strike follows four previous attacks in the Caribbean Sea since September 2nd, resulting in 11, 3, 3, and 4 deaths, respectively.

The strikes have drawn criticism from experts and human rights groups, who argue they violate international law. They say that drug traffickers do not qualify as armed combatants, rendering the lethal force potentially illegal.

Critics like the democratic senators are describing the attacks as an example of President Trump’s aggressive expansion of executive power both domestically and abroad.

These attacks coincide with the Trump administration’s efforts to recategorize drug trafficking as an act of foreign hostility, including attempts to label criminal and narcotics groups as “foreign terrorist organizations” (FTOs). The attacks also have taken place amid a build-up of US forces in the Caribbean, including at bases in Puerto Rico.

Trump has long accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of enabling drug trafficking and sending criminals to the US. A US intelligence report declassified in May found no evidence that Maduro has directed the Tren de Aragua gang or its movements in the US.

**Summary:**

The United States has conducted its fifth air strike on a vessel off the Venezuelan coast, claiming it was involved in drug trafficking. The strikes have resulted in 27 deaths and have been criticized as a potential violation of international law. The attacks have also been linked to the Trump administration’s broader efforts to combat drug trafficking and exert executive power.

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