Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that the United States carried out a strike on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, amid growing reports of survivors. The announcement came during an Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, escalating tensions with Venezuela.

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Submarine Strike Confirmed

Trump stated the target was a “submarine… built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs.” He added:

“This was not an innocent group of people. I don’t know too many people that have submarines.”

This marks the first time survivors of the U.S. Caribbean strikes have been reported since the bombing campaign began on September 2, 2025. According to anonymous Department of Defense sources, two survivors have been taken into custody, while two others were killed. Details on prosecution or the condition of survivors remain unclear.

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U.S. Justifies Operations Against ‘Narco-Terrorists’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the operations, calling them necessary to intercept illegal drugs:

“We’re undertaking these operations against narco-terrorists. That’s what these are. These are terrorists. Let’s be clear.”

The Trump administration has confirmed at least five separate strikes, resulting in at least 28 deaths. Officials describe the operations as part of a broader effort to curb drug trafficking from Venezuela.

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International Reactions and Legal Concerns

The strikes have sparked concern in Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago, with reports suggesting some victims were citizens of these countries. Venezuela has appealed to the UN Security Council, arguing the attacks are illegal.

Legal analysts note that targeting drug traffickers via military force could violate U.S. and international law, as drug traffickers are not considered combatants in a military conflict.

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Maduro Offers Concessions

Trump also indicated that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has offered concessions to reduce tensions:

“He has offered everything… because he doesn’t want to f*** around with the United States.”

Despite this, Trump has maintained a hardline stance against Maduro, increasing the arrest bounty on the Venezuelan leader to $50 million earlier this year and recently ending diplomatic outreach by special envoy Richard Grenell.

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Escalating Regional Tensions

The Caribbean strikes coincide with Trump’s broader efforts to expand executive power, citing an alleged “invasion” of violent gangs and criminal groups. Trump has pointed to the Tren de Aragua gang as allegedly coordinated by Maduro, although intelligence reports dispute this claim. Both U.S. and Venezuelan forces have increased their military presence in the Caribbean.

The U.S. president also reportedly authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela, further fueling concerns over potential escalation in the region.