Trump defends US strike on boat from Venezuela he says was carrying drugs

A vessel, which U.S. President Trump said was transporting illegal narcotics and heading to the U.S., is struck by the U.S. military as it navigates in the southern Caribbean

A vessel, which U.S. President Donald Trump said was transporting illegal narcotics and heading to the U.S., is struck by the U.S. military as it navigates in the southern Caribbean, in this still image obtained from video posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social and released September 2, 2025. DONALD TRUMP VIA TRUTH SOCIAL/Handout via REUTERS Verification lines: Reuters conducted initial checks on the video, including a review of its visual elements using a manipulation detection tool, which did not show evidence of manipulation. However, thorough verification is an ongoing process, and Reuters will continue to review the footage as more information becomes available.

Source: Handout

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended a U.S. strike on what he called a drug-carrying boat from Venezuela a day after the United States said 11 people were killed on the vessel.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office for the visit of Polish President Karol Nawrocki that the boat was carrying "massive amounts of drugs," but he provided few details. "Venezuela has been a very bad actor," he said.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters