Fact-check analysisVerified as of September 11, 2025Curated by FactVerify
Mostly True

According to Venezuela minister, the people targeted and k*lled in US boat strike were not Tren de Aragua.

Venezuelan officials, including the interior minister, have stated that none of the 11 people killed in the recent U.S. Military strike on a boat were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, though the U.S. Government claims the boat was operated by that gang.

Venezuela says none of 11 killed in US boat strike were Tren de Aragua members - Venezuela | The Guardian

Venezuela says none of 11 killed in US boat strike were Tren de Aragua members - Venezuela | The Guardian

Source: theguardian.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified September 11, 2025
The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The Venezuelan interior minister publicly denied that the individuals killed in the U.S. Strike were members of Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan criminal gang. Multiple reputable news outlets, including Reuters, The Guardian, and The Straits Times, reported this official statement from Venezuela on September 11, 2025. This contrasts with the U.S. Government's position, as expressed by former President Trump and U.S. Military sources, which identified the boat as operated by Tren de Aragua and involved in drug trafficking.

The discrepancy highlights a clear disagreement between Venezuelan authorities and the U.S. Administration about who exactly was targeted and killed in the strike. While Venezuela denies any connection to Tren de Aragua for those killed, the U.S. Maintains its narrative that it was a legitimate strike against a criminal drug operation linked to that gang.

This difference may stem from political tensions and differing intelligence assessments. Overall, Venezuelan officials' claim that those killed were not Tren de Aragua members is well documented and credible based on their direct statements, but it conflicts with U.S. Assertions.

Primary trail

Verified Sources10

People killed in US boat strike were not Tren de Aragua, Venezuela minister says

reuters.com
Open source

People killed in US boat strike were not Tren de Aragua, says Venezuela minister

straitstimes.com
Open source

Venezuela says none of 11 killed in US boat strike were Tren de Aragua members

theguardian.com
Open source
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