URGENT UPDATE: The United States military has confirmed the capture of survivors following a strike on a suspected drug-carrying submarine in the Caribbean. This unprecedented event marks the first time anyone has escaped alive from such military actions since President Donald Trump initiated strikes in the region last month.
Officials announced the strike occurred on Thursday, September 28, 2023, and has raised critical questions about the treatment of these individuals, currently held aboard a U.S. Navy vessel. President Trump confirmed the strike during a White House event, stating, “We attacked a submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs.”
The attack adds to a growing list of military actions, with at least six strikes reported since early September, resulting in a total of 28 casualties attributed to the Trump administration’s campaign against drug cartels operating from Venezuela. The implications of this strike are significant, as legal experts debate whether the survivors will be classified as prisoners of war or defendants in a criminal case.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the existence of survivors but noted that further details would be forthcoming. The military operation has sparked bipartisan concern among lawmakers, with some Republicans expressing frustration over a lack of transparency regarding the strikes. A classified briefing held earlier this month did not include representatives from key intelligence or military commands.
Despite these concerns, the administration’s resolve appears firm. Trump has cited an ongoing “armed conflict” with drug cartels, invoking legal authority similar to that used during the Bush administration’s war on terror. As discussions around the legality of these military actions continue, the fate of the captured individuals remains uncertain.
In related developments, President Trump confirmed recent attempts by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to negotiate a deal involving Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources in response to U.S. pressure. Trump stated, “He’s offered everything…because he doesn’t want to f—- around with the United States.”
As this situation unfolds, the captured survivors face an uncertain future amid the complexities of international law and U.S. military policy. The actions taken by the Trump administration could have lasting implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and the broader fight against drug trafficking in the region.
What’s Next: Congressional scrutiny is likely to intensify, with Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and others pushing for measures to restrict the administration’s ability to conduct further military actions without congressional approval. This ongoing saga underscores the urgent need for clarity on the United States’ military strategy in the Caribbean.
Stay tuned for updates as this breaking story develops.
