Breaking: US strike leaves crew alive in Caribbean for the first time

Washington, Oct 16 : The U.S. military conducted a strike on Thursday against a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean, and, in a first, there were survivors among the crew, a U.S. official said. The official did not clarify whether the strike was intended to leave survivors or if they are now in U.S. custody.

Previous strikes on suspected drug boats off Venezuela had killed at least 27 people, prompting concerns from legal experts and lawmakers over adherence to international laws of war. Videos from earlier attacks show vessels being completely destroyed with no survivors.

The Trump administration argues that these operations are part of the ongoing fight against “narcoterrorist” groups in Venezuela and are necessary because traditional efforts to seize vessels and crew have failed.

The strikes come amid a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, including F-35 fighter jets, guided missile destroyers, a nuclear submarine, and about 6,500 troops. President Trump recently authorized the CIA to carry out covert operations inside Venezuela, raising speculation that the U.S. is seeking to challenge President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela has protested the strikes to the United Nations, calling them illegal and requesting support for its sovereignty. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has announced the creation of a new counter-narcotics task force led by II Marine Expeditionary Force, replacing Southern Command oversight.

 (Reuters)