U.S. Assisted in Deadly Drone Strike in Venezuela That Killed About Two Dozen, Officials Say

The United States assisted in a drone strike in Venezuela that killed about two dozen people, according to officials, in an attack targeting a drug-trafficking group. A rights group reported the death toll, highlighting the escalating militarization of the U.S. fight against "narcoterrorism" in Latin America. The operation underscores the deepening security cooperation between Washington and regional partners, but also raises concerns about sovereignty and civilian casualties. The strike comes as the U.S. increasingly deploys advanced military technology, including drones, to combat transnational criminal organizations. While officials frame the mission as a necessary step to disrupt drug flows, critics warn of a slippery slope toward unilateral interventions. The incident is likely to strain relations with Caracas, which has long accused the U.S. of violating its airspace. For now, the strike signals a more aggressive posture in the region, with potentially far-reaching consequences for both security and diplomacy.