The Pentagon has labelled those it has been targeting as narcoterrorists and unlawful combatants who must be met with military force.
American forces have struck a vessel in the Caribbean suspected of carrying drugs, leaving some survivors, according to reports.
The case, disclosed by a US official to the Reuters news agency, is believed to be the first such attack resulting in survivors since the operation began in September.
At least 27 people have been killed by American forces across several strikes off Venezuela in recent weeks.
They have been criticised, with some questioning whether they are a breach of international law. The country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, has accused the US of trying to oust him.
It’s not known whether forces helped the survivors in Thursday’s reported strike and if they are in custody.
The Pentagon, which has labelled those it targeted in the strikes as narcoterrorists, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Why is the US attacking boats?
Donald Trump’s administration has said it considers alleged drug traffickers as unlawful combatants who must be met with military force.
