The United States military has killed eight people in a series of attacks on vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, just days after seizing a Venezuelan oil tanker. The strikes come amid a growing US military buildup in Latin America, particularly near Venezuela.

Details of the Attacks

According to the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), “lethal kinetic strikes” targeted three vessels in international waters on Monday under the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. SOUTHCOM reported:

• Three fatalities on the first vessel
• Two fatalities on the second
• Three fatalities on the third

The Pentagon claimed that those targeted were linked to drug trafficking, though no public evidence has been provided.

Since September, US attacks on vessels near Venezuela have killed at least 90 people, drawing criticism from international law experts who have called the strikes extrajudicial killings.

US lawmakers have also questioned Hegseth’s role in previous attacks, including allegations that a second strike targeted survivors of an earlier attack in September.

US Military Build-Up in the Caribbean

The Pentagon has deployed warships, a submarine, drones, and fighter jets to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, citing the need to combat drug smuggling.

As part of this buildup, Trinidad and Tobago has authorized the use of its airports for US military logistical operations, including supply replenishment and personnel rotations. The islands are located just 12 km (7.4 miles) from Venezuela, placing them strategically close to Caracas.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed strong support for US operations, stating she would prefer drug traffickers “blown to pieces” rather than harm citizens.

Venezuela’s Response

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the attacks and the military buildup, framing them as an effort to seize Venezuela’s oil and gas resources. Following the strikes, Maduro ordered Venezuela to halt gas supplies to Trinidad and Tobago, according to state television channel Telesur.

The ongoing tensions between the US and Venezuela highlight the risks of escalating military operations in the Caribbean and their potential impact on regional security and maritime law.