A video posted by U.S. Southern Command shows splashes of water near one side of the boat. In the final second of the video, the vessel can be seen adrift with a large patch of fire alongside it. Earlier videos of U.S. boat strikes showed vessels suddenly exploding, suggesting missile strikes. The Trump administration has said the strikes were meant to stop the flow of drugs into the U.S. and increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. At least 105 people have been killed in 29 known strikes since early September.

Source: ABC News December 23, 2025 13:18 UTC