A Democratic senator broke with his party Tuesday to support President Donald Trump’s decision to use military force against Venezuelan drug cartels.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office he had authorized a strike on a drug boat tied to the Venezuelan regime, saying the military “literally shot out a boat — a drug-carrying boat.” According to the White House, the vessel was loaded with narcotics and armed traffickers.
The strike was part of a broader U.S. buildup in the region. In recent months, Washington has deployed Aegis-equipped destroyers, an amphibious squadron, a nuclear submarine, surveillance aircraft, helicopters, Tomahawk-capable platforms, and 4,000 to 4,500 personnel to waters off Venezuela.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that operations against Venezuelan drug-trafficking groups — designated by the U.S. as terrorist organizations — will continue. In response, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), wrote, “Fully support confronting the scourge of cartel drug trafficking to our nation.”
The airstrike resulted in the deaths of 11 members of the Tren de Aragua street gang, known for its heavy involvement in drug trafficking, according to the State Department. “We’re not going to sit back anymore and watch these people sail up and down the Caribbean like a cruise,” Rubio said, per Fox News.
“The president of the United States has determined that narco-terrorist organizations pose a threat to the national security of the United States. I don’t need to explain to you why,” the secretary added.
“These are not stockbrokers. These are not real estate agents who, on the side, deal a few drugs. These are organized, corporate, structured organizations who specialize in the trafficking of deadly drugs into the United States of America,” Rubio said. “They pose an immediate threat to the United States. Period.”