The U.S. military, under the direction of the Trump administration, conducted a targeted strike on a vessel transporting suspected narco-terrorists with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
President Donald Trump posted footage on Truth Social Tuesday of the strike that killed 11 TdA gang members in the Caribbean.
Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. TDA is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, operating under the control of Nicolas… pic.twitter.com/2bEDDiZsRl
— Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) September 2, 2025
“The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in International waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United States,” the president said in part. “The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action. No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike,” he added.
“Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE! Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!!!!!!!!!” he added.
President Trump classified TdA and other transnational drug cartels as a foreign terrorist organization in January as his second administration prioritized combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox and Friends on Wednesday morning that the strike sends “a very clear” message to drug cartels.
“We knew exactly who was in that boat, we knew exactly what they were doing, and we knew exactly who they represented, and that was Tren de Aragua, a narco-terrorist organization designated by the United States trying to poison our country with illicit drugs,” he said.
. @secdef “The President has sent a very clear message to the cartels…
We knew who was in that boat, what they were doing, and who they represented, and that was Tren De Aragua.” pic.twitter.com/0MzNXXESxx
— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) September 3, 2025
“Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists are responsible for the deaths of Americans every day,” said National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent. “President Trump has made it clear, you will not get away with harming our citizens.”
He added: “Excellent execution by our U.S. Military. This operation is yet another example of @POTUS‘ relentless dedication to ensuring the safety and security of our nation and its citizens.”
Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists are responsible for the deaths of Americans every day. President Trump has made it clear, you will not get away with harming our citizens.
Excellent execution by our U.S. Military. This operation is yet another example of @POTUS' relentless… https://t.co/f48c7ErSvY
— NCTC Director Joe Kent (@NCTCKent) September 3, 2025
