President Donald Trump announced a U.S. military operation in the Caribbean successfully destroyed a large drug-carrying submarine. He stated the vessel was transporting fentanyl and other narcotics on a known trafficking route.
Trump claimed the interdiction prevented up to 25,000 American overdose deaths. He emphasized that no U.S. forces were harmed and vowed a continued tough stance against narco-terrorists.
This incident marks the sixth such operation since combat missions began in the region last month. Two suspects were killed and two others were captured and are now held aboard a U.S. warship.
Trump first revealed the strike during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He described the targeted vessel as a submarine built specifically for transporting massive amounts of drugs.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed reports of survivors but said more details would be released later. This operation follows other recent U.S. military actions, including a show of force by B-52 bombers near Venezuela.
The fentanyl crisis, driven largely by supplies from China and manufacturing in Mexico, has devastated American communities. It is a leading cause of death for young adults in the United States.
In response, Republican lawmakers have proposed severe penalties for traffickers. Legislation has been introduced, including bills calling for the death penalty for those convicted of smuggling fentanyl across the southern border.
