The United States seized survivors from a strike on a suspected drug‑carrying narco‑submarine in Caribbean waters off Venezuela, the first operation with survivors since Donald Trump began launching deadly attacks there last month, officials said. Trump confirmed the hit and cast the campaign as an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, bringing the death toll to at least 28. The survivors are being held on a US Navy vessel amid legal uncertainty. Human rights advocates called the killings unlawful, while legal scholars said the strategy and CIA covert authority in Venezuela strain international law. On Capitol Hill, parties expressed unease.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.