U.S. military forces struck a vessel suspected of transporting illegal drugs near Venezuela's coast on Saturday evening, and President Donald Trump announced the attack on Sunday at Naval Station Norfolk. Trump stated that naval operations have targeted cartel vessels in recent weeks, but smugglers may shift routes to land-based transport. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Friday that at least four people died in a similar strike, marking the fourth such operation in recent weeks.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemned American military actions against his nation on Sunday through a video message posted on Telegram. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil reported receiving support from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a telephone conversation. Maduro sent correspondence to Pope Leo XIV requesting assistance to maintain stability in Venezuela, and Gil conveyed this diplomatic outreach on Saturday.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemned American military actions against his nation on Sunday through a video message posted on Telegram. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil reported receiving support from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a telephone conversation. Maduro sent correspondence to Pope Leo XIV requesting assistance to maintain stability in Venezuela, and Gil conveyed this diplomatic outreach on Saturday.
