U.S. has 2 survivors in custody after strike on alleged Venezuelan cartel boat

The U.S. has in custody at least two people who survived a U.S. military strike against an alleged Venezuelan drug cartel boat Thursday in international waters, according to two U.S. officials.

U.S. Navy helicopters were dispatched as part of the search and rescue team after overhead video showed people who seemed to have survived the initial strike, which took place in the Caribbean.

The individuals were picked up and transferred to a U.S. Navy ship. It is unclear in whose custody they are right now or what their physical condition is.

The strike is at least the fifth the Trump administration has carried out against boats in international waters believed to be connected to Venezuelan drug cartels. At least 21 people were killed in four previous strikes, with no survivors.

NBC News has reported that U.S. lawmakers have grown concerned about the lack of information the White House has provided about the operations.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump made an extraordinary admission, confirming he had authorized the CIA to take unspecified action in Venezuela.

“Why did you authorize the CIA to go into Venezuela?” a reporter asked Trump at the White House.

“I authorized for two reasons, really,” he replied. “No. 1, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America.

“And the other thing are drugs,” he added. “We have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela.”

The news came as Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of the U.S. Southern Command which oversees U.S. military activity in Latin America and some 1,200 personnel, said he would retire later this year.

Holsey said in a statement that he would step down on Dec. 12 from the job he only began last November.

“The SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so,” he said. “I am confident that you will forge ahead, focused on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the globe.”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in a statement on X that Holsey had “exemplified the highest standards of naval leadership,” without mentioning any reason for his retirement.