Trump Says U.S. Hits Another Suspected Drug Boat off Venezuela, Eyes Land Routes Next. U.S. President Donald Trump says American forces have struck another vessel allegedly smuggling drugs off Venezuela's coast — the fourth such hit in recent weeks.. Speaking at Naval Station Norfolk beside the USS Harry S. Truman, Trump boasted that the Navy is "blowing cartel terrorists out of the water" and warned traffickers they'll now be hunted on land as sea routes dry up. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Friday's strike killed four people, though it's unclear if Trump was referring to that same operation. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro responded in a video message accusing Washington of aggression and pledging his country will "defend its right to live and be free." Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said Russia's Sergei Lavrov phoned to offer full solidarity. Hegseth told Fox News he has all necessary authorizations for continued Caribbean operations. [Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT]