Articles in this Cluster
17-10-2025
Venezuelan fishermen are living in fear after the US conducted a series of strikes on suspected drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean, killing at least 27 people. The US military operation, aimed at 'narco-terrorists' allegedly linked to the Venezuelan government, has escalated tensions between the two countries. Fishermen in Venezuela are worried about being caught in the crossfire or mistakenly targeted, with some refusing to go out to sea. The US has accused those killed of smuggling drugs, but has not presented evidence. The Venezuelan government has denied the accusations and warned its citizens to prepare for the worst.
Entities: Venezuela, US, Caribbean, Lake Maracaibo, Nicolás Maduro • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
17-10-2025
The Trinidad and Tobago police are investigating reports that two citizens were among six people killed in a US strike on a boat off the coast of Venezuela. The US President announced the strike, claiming the vessel was carrying drugs and transiting along a known terrorist organization route. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is verifying the information and has asked for patience. The strike is the fifth such operation in the Caribbean, with 27 people killed overall. Lawmakers are expressing concern and frustration with the lack of information from the White House. The US has been escalating tensions with Venezuela, with the President authorizing CIA covert operations in the country and considering land strikes.
Entities: Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, United States, President Trump, CIA • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
17-10-2025
The U.S. military flew three B-52 bombers near the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, as part of a continued military buildup in the region amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government. The mission is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to exert pressure on Maduro's government, which the administration has accused of collaborating with drug cartels. The U.S. has deployed around 10,000 forces to the Caribbean region, including warships, a submarine, and fighter jets. The administration has also carried out airstrikes on alleged drug-carrying boats near Venezuela and has authorized covert CIA operations in the country.
Entities: United States, Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, Trump administration, B-52 bombers • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
17-10-2025
The U.S. military struck another boat in the Caribbean Sea on Thursday, and there were survivors aboard the vessel, a U.S. official confirmed to CBS News. This marks the sixth known boat attack in the area since last month and the first known attack with survivors. The Trump administration has justified the strikes by arguing the U.S. is in a 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels. At least 27 people have been killed in the prior five boat strikes in the waters off Venezuela. Some lawmakers have pushed back on the strikes, arguing the administration needs to get permission from Congress to attack drug cartels and hasn't provided sufficient evidence that the boats are carrying narcotics. The attacks are taking place amid a wider military buildup in the Caribbean, as the administration pressures the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of working with drug cartels.
Entities: U.S. military, Caribbean Sea, CBS News, Trump administration, Venezuela • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
17-10-2025
The article discusses how the modern drug trade has evolved to become more innovative and nebulous, making it challenging for law enforcement to combat. President Donald Trump is waging a new war on drugs using military force and unprecedented violence, including the use of Hellfire missiles to target alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean. However, the article argues that this approach is misguided as it is based on a template used for the war on terror, which is not effective against the adaptable and high-tech nature of today's drug-runners. The article highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to tackle the issue.
Entities: Donald Trump, Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, Caribbean, Afghanistan • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: critique
17-10-2025
The US carried out a strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean on Thursday, resulting in survivors among the crew, according to two US officials. This marks the sixth strike by the US military on separate boats in the Caribbean, but the first where not everyone on board was killed instantly. The Trump administration has produced a classified legal opinion justifying lethal strikes against cartels and suspected drug traffickers, designating them as enemy combatants. The administration has been focusing on Venezuela and its President Nicolas Maduro, with President Donald Trump authorizing the CIA to operate inside Venezuela to clamp down on illegal flows of migrants and drugs.
Entities: US, Caribbean, Natasha Bertrand, Kylie Atwood, CNN • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
17-10-2025
The Trump administration is escalating tensions with Venezuela by signaling potential military action to pressure President Nicolas Maduro out of power. Despite not explicitly stating an intention to overthrow Maduro, the administration has taken several aggressive steps, including authorizing the CIA to operate in Venezuela, increasing a bounty on Maduro's arrest, and deploying military assets to the Caribbean. The US has previously recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as president and imposed numerous sanctions on Maduro's regime. The situation remains tense, with diplomatic ties between the two countries remaining severed since 2019.
Entities: Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump, Venezuela, Juan Guaido, Washington • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
17-10-2025
A U.S. military drone strike on a drug smuggling vessel in the Caribbean on Thursday left two to three survivors. The partially submerged vessel was operating in international waters when it was hit. The U.S. military launched search and rescue assets, including a rescue helicopter, but it is not clear if any of the survivors were rescued. This incident marks the first known instance of survivors since U.S. forces began its campaign of lethal strikes against suspected drug boats. The operation is part of President Trump's broader push to dismantle transnational cartels by force.
Entities: U.S. military, Caribbean, drug smuggling vessel, international waters, President Trump • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
17-10-2025
The US military has conducted a strike on a boat in the Caribbean suspected of carrying drugs, resulting in survivors. This is the first reported instance of survivors since the operation began in September. The Pentagon has labeled those targeted as 'narcoterrorists' and 'unlawful combatants' who must be met with military force. The strikes have been criticized, with some questioning their legality under international law. Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, has accused the US of trying to oust him. The US has been building up its military presence in the Caribbean, with guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, and around 6,500 troops.
Entities: US military, Caribbean, Venezuela, Donald Trump, Nicolas Maduro • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
17-10-2025
The US military carried out a strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean, reportedly killing two citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and leaving survivors among the crew. The incident raises questions about whether the US military provided aid to the survivors and whether they are in US custody. The strike is part of a larger US military buildup in the region, amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. The US argues that the strikes are legitimate as they are targeting 'narcoterrorists', while Venezuela has asked the UN to condemn the strikes as illegal.
Entities: US military, Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Donald Trump • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
