Why it matters:
This is reported as the first direct U.S. military action of its kind against a target linked to Venezuela. It dramatically increases geopolitical friction in the region and will likely draw condemnation from U.S. adversaries and allies concerned with the use of force.
The big picture:
The Trump administration has long accused the government of Nicolás Maduro of criminal activities, but this event represents a move from sanctions and rhetoric to overt military action.
Key points:
- The U.S. Department of Defense released a video it says shows Tuesday's precise military strike on the vessel in international waters near Venezuela.
- The core of the U.S. justification is that the Venezuelan government supports the group's activities, a claim Caracas vehemently denies.
Go deeper:
U.S. Deploys Warships to Caribbean as Tensions with Venezuela Boil Over
M.Majdi - ahmad shirzadian
