00:00After a series of deadly U.S. strikes against boats the Trump administration says were smuggling drugs into the U.S.
00:06Tonight, we're learning the latest strike had a twist.
00:09At least two people on board survived the blast, according to two U.S. officials.
00:13U.S. Navy helicopters were overhead and a boat picked them up, the officials said.
00:17They remain in U.S. custody tonight.
00:20President Trump describing the strike.
00:21We attacked a submarine, and that was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs, just so you understand.
00:35This was not an innocent group of people.
00:38I don't know too many people that have submarines.
00:40The president appearing to reference a semi-submersible like this one that authorities say cartels use to smuggle drugs.
00:46This is the sixth boat the U.S. military has struck in international waters, killing at least 29 people, according to the Trump administration.
00:54Though some in Congress are questioning whether the strikes are legal.
00:57We're undertaking these operations against narco-terrorists. That's what these are.
01:01The U.S. considers Venezuela's authoritarian leader, Nicolas Maduro, illegitimate.
01:05President Trump was asked about reports Maduro had offered the U.S. a stake in Venezuela's natural resources.
01:12He's offered everything. You're right.
01:13You know why? Because he doesn't want to f*** around with the United States.
01:19And with that, Courtney joins us live.
01:21And, Courtney, I know you have some new reporting after the surprise retirement of the admiral who ran U.S. Southern Command overseeing these strikes off Venezuela.
01:29Yeah, that's right, Tom.
01:30He's Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of the U.S. military in Central and South America.
01:34He didn't explain his unexpected retirement announcement, but U.S. officials tell NBC News about tensions between he and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for months.
01:43With Hegseth looking for someone he says is more aggressive against the cartels in the region.
01:48We thank you for watching.
01:50And remember, stay updated on breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app or watch live on our YouTube channel.
Be the first to comment