The content in the clip shared by Donald Trump does not meet the standards of the U.S. Coast Guard or Navy.
Analysis from La Tabla / Data Journalism Platform, September 2, 2025
The video released by the U.S. government regarding the destruction of a vessel (reportedly from Venezuela) carrying drugs in the Caribbean shows key operational inconsistencies that contradict established protocols for maritime interdictions. An analysis conducted this evening by the La Tabla team indicates that the sequence does not align with the standard procedures of the U.S. Coast Guard or Navy, raising questions about its authenticity.
Critical Inconsistencies:
1. Immediate use of lethal force: Protocols require a gradual escalation (signals, warnings, non-lethal force) before any lethal action. The video depicts direct destruction without verifiable prior stages.
2. Disproportionate means: Aegis destroyers (designed for naval warfare) were used against a speedboat, whereas protocols recommend specialized vessels like Fast Response Cutters.
3. Lack of verification: There is no evidence of attempts to board or identify the cargo, a mandatory step in real interdictions.
4. Geopolitical context: The narrative of “narcoterrorism” is not supported by operational data, suggesting a post hoc justification.
Analysis by La Tabla concluded: “Real interdiction operations prioritize capture over destruction, the preservation of evidence, and strict adherence to international protocols. This video does not reflect those standards.”
Implications: The deviation from protocols undermines the credibility of the U.S. in the drug war and legally invalidates the operation in international courts.