A recently surfaced video on social media has captured the moment two US warships collided in the Caribbean while engaged in a refueling operation on Wednesday, the 11th. The footage depicts the USS Truxtun destroyer as it approaches the supply ship USNS Supply south of Puerto Rico, suddenly appearing to lose control and crashing into the other vessel. Fortunately, no significant damage was reported on either ship, though two sailors sustained injuries during the incident.

According to the US Navy, both ships involved are part of Operation Southern Strike, a mission initiated by the Trump administration in late 2025 aimed at bolstering efforts against drug trafficking on the southern border. The operation has taken on a political dimension, especially following the high-profile capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a January 3 coordinated attack in Caracas. This operation, which targeted both Maduro and military facilities associated with his regime, represents a critical shift in US-Venezuela relations.

The collision incident raises questions about maritime safety protocols and operational procedures in such military missions, particularly with the strategic significance of the region concerning drug trafficking and political stability. As military assets are often deployed in high-stakes scenarios, incidents like these underscore the importance of rigorous training and oversight to prevent accidents that could complicate diplomatic and military objectives.