U.S. launches new strike as Trump ramps up pressure on Venezuela

The United States carried out another lethal strike overnight, targeting what officials described as a “low-profile vessel” in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

(NBC)- The United States carried out another lethal strike overnight, targeting what officials described as a “low-profile vessel” in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

U.S. Southern Command said the operation was conducted at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and involved a vessel “operated by designated terrorist organizations.” Officials say one suspected narco-terrorist engaged in drug trafficking was killed in the strike.

The operation comes as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Venezuela, amid expanded U.S. efforts to intercept tankers used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan oil.

Speaking publicly, Trump confirmed the Coast Guard remains in what he called “active pursuit” of the Bella 1, a tanker placed on a U.S. sanctions list last year.

“We’re keeping it. We’re keeping the ships also,” Trump said.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the administration is targeting the vessels as part of a broader effort to force Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power.

“We’re not just interdicting these ships,” Noem said in an interview on Fox News. “We’re also sending a message around the world that the illegal activity that Maduro is participating in cannot stand. He needs to be gone.”

The president issued a veiled warning earlier this week, saying of Maduro, “If he wants to play tough, it’s the last time he’ll ever play tough.”

The latest developments follow the administration’s recent blockade on Venezuelan oil and a series of U.S. strikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats, operations that have reportedly killed more than 100 people.

The campaign is also increasing pressure on Venezuela’s closest ally, Cuba, which imports nearly 60 percent of its oil from Venezuela, according to the International Energy Agency. Cuba’s president condemned the U.S. actions, accusing Trump of having “unleashed his pirates” on Venezuela and warning of further strain on the island’s already fragile economy.

Trump addressed the recent seizures while unveiling what he described as a new class of naval ship, which he said would bear his name.