Washington – The United States has destroyed another vessel in international waters accused of smuggling drugs from Venezuela, President Donald Trump announced on Monday.

Trump said the action was part of his broader crackdown in the Caribbean against drug cartels, which he claims are supported by the Venezuelan government. Caracas has denied this accusation.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump shared a video of the strike, saying the boat was operated by “positively identified, extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists.” He added that three people were killed during the operation. “Be warned – if you are transporting drugs that can kill Americans, we are hunting you!” Trump wrote.

This operation follows a September 2 strike in which another vessel was destroyed and 11 people were killed, according to Trump.

The US had already imposed sanctions on Venezuela during Trump’s first term and recently increased its reward for information leading to President Nicolas Maduro’s arrest to $50 million.

Maduro has condemned the US military presence near Venezuela’s coast, calling it an attempt to remove him from power. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated last week that the country was prepared for a “prolonged war” if open conflict begins.