Trump confirms strike on second drug boat

President Donald Trump on Monday confirmed that American forces had fired upon a second suspected drug boat as the administration ramps up the pressure on the cartel operating out of Latin America.

"This morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a SECOND Kinetic Strike against positively identified, extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility," Trump posted on Truth Social. "The Strike occurred while these confirmed narcoterrorists from Venezuela were in International Waters transporting illegal narcotics (A DEADLY WEAPON POISONING AMERICANS!) headed to the U.S."

"These extremely violent drug trafficking cartels POSE A THREAT to U.S. National Security, Foreign Policy, and vital U.S. Interests. The Strike resulted in 3 male terrorists killed in action," he added. "No U.S. Forces were harmed in this Strike. BE WARNED — IF YOU ARE TRANSPORTING DRUGS THAT CAN KILL AMERICANS, WE ARE HUNTING YOU! The illicit activities by these cartels have wrought DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES ON AMERICAN COMMUNITIES FOR DECADES, killing millions of American Citizens. NO LONGER. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!"

The move follows an earlier strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat that sparked a discussion about due process when dealing with possible traffickers in international waters. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., ranked among the most vocal critics of the move.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.