On January 23, 2026, the U.S. military announced a targeted strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, believed to be involved in drug trafficking activities. This action marks the first military engagement following the significant raid that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier in the month.
The U.S. Southern Command reported via social media that the military operation resulted in the deaths of two individuals aboard the vessel, with one survivor who was rescued by the Coast Guard after being notified of the strike. A video released with the announcement shows the boat navigating through the water moments before it erupted into flames.
The focus of recent military operations has been on seizing sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela. This strategy developed significantly after the Trump administration conducted the high-profile raid aimed at capturing Maduro, who is wanted on federal drug trafficking charges in the United States.
Since early September 2025, U.S. military forces have executed 36 known strikes against alleged drug smuggling vessels in South American waters, resulting in the deaths of at least 117 individuals. Notably, the majority of these operations have taken place in the Caribbean Sea, with the last recorded strikes happening in late December 2025. During those attacks, U.S. forces struck five suspected drug-smuggling boats over a two-day period, leading to the death of eight individuals while others reportedly jumped overboard. Following these events, the Coast Guard suspended further search efforts.
Earlier in January 2026, a substantial military operation in Caracas resulted in the capture of Maduro and his spouse, both of whom were subsequently transported to New York to confront federal charges related to drug trafficking. Prior to his capture, Maduro had expressed concerns about U.S. military operations, suggesting they were an overt attempt to remove him from power.
President Donald Trump has emphasized that strikes against suspected drug smugglers have significantly hindered drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. In remarks made during the World Economic Forum at Davos, Trump asserted that U.S. military efforts have nearly stopped 100% of drug shipments arriving by water.
This recent military engagement not only signifies the intensifying U.S. campaign against drug trafficking but also reflects the broader geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela. The ongoing efforts of the U.S. military to disrupt drug operations underscore the government's commitment to combating drug trafficking while also addressing the challenges posed by the Venezuelan regime.
