President Donald Trump has stated that the US will return two individuals who survived a military strike on what he described as a 'drug-carrying submarine' to their countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia.
In a social media post, Trump indicated that two others were killed in the strike, which he claimed was based on US intelligence confirming the vessel was 'loaded up with mostly Fentanyl, and other illegal narcotics.'
This strike, conducted on Thursday, marks at least the sixth US attack on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean in recent weeks, with survivors being reported for the first time.
The survivors were rescued by a US military helicopter and later transferred to a US warship, according to unnamed officials. Trump's administration has ramped up its military operations against Venezuela, accusing its leadership of facilitating drug trafficking. Trump emphasized his position on these operations, claiming they aim to halt the influx of narcotics into the United States.
However, the strikes have drawn criticism, with UN-appointed human rights experts labeling them as 'extrajudicial executions.' Trump has also indicated that he has authorized the CIA to undertake covert operations in Venezuela and hinted at potential ground operations.
Narco-submarines, primarily built for transporting drugs unnoticed, have been increasingly intercepted by the US and other nations.
