The US military carried out a strike on a Venezuelan vessel linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, killing 11 people. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, sharing a video on Truth Social showing the boat exploding at sea, according to Reuters.

The Pentagon has not disclosed details on the type or quantity of drugs involved. Human rights advocates have questioned the legality and proportionality of the strike, while Venezuela’s government disputed the video’s authenticity, though Reuters found no evidence of manipulation.

This marks the first military action since the US increased its naval presence in the southern Caribbean, deploying at least seven warships and a nuclear submarine to combat narcotics trafficking. The escalation comes amid heightened tensions, as the US recently raised its reward for information leading to President Nicolas Maduro’s arrest to $50m, Reuters reported.