The United States has in custody at least two people who survived a U.S. military attack on a suspected Venezuelan drug cartel ship Thursday in international waters, according to two U.S. officials.
US Navy helicopters were dispatched as part of the search and rescue team after aerial video showed people who appeared to have survived the initial attack, which took place in the Caribbean.
The individuals were picked up and transferred to a US Navy ship. It is unclear whose custody they are in at this time or what their physical condition is.
The attack is at least the fifth the Trump administration has carried out against ships in international waters believed to be connected to Venezuelan drug cartels. At least 21 people were killed in four previous attacks and there were no survivors.
NBC News has reported that US lawmakers are increasingly concerned about the lack of information the White House has provided about the operations.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump made an extraordinary admission, confirming that he had authorized the CIA to take unspecified actions in Venezuela.
“Why did you authorize the CIA to enter Venezuela?” a reporter asked Trump at the White House.
“I authorized it for two reasons, really,” he responded. “No. 1, they have emptied their prisons in the United States of America.
“And the other thing is drugs,” he added. “We have a lot of drugs that come from Venezuela.”
The news came as Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of the US Southern Command that oversees US military activity in Latin America and some 1,200 troops, said he would retire at the end of this year.
Holsey said in a statement that he would resign Dec. 12 from the position he started last November.
“The SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to our nation’s defense and will continue to do so,” he said. “I am confident that he will continue forward, focused on his mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the world.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement about X that Holsey had “exemplified the highest standards of naval leadership,” without mentioning any reason for his retirement.
This is a development history. Please check back for updates.
