The US drug boat strike in the eastern Pacific has added pressure to an already tense moment in the region. The attack, which killed three people, happened on Saturday and was confirmed by officials on Sunday. The US military said the vessel was traveling along a known narcotics route and was carrying illegal drugs. The strike was carried out by a joint taskforce that has been active for weeks. The vessel was in international waters at the time. US officials did not say where the boat started its trip or which group controlled it. It was the latest in a series of actions by the US military aimed at stopping the flow of illegal drugs into the country. This was the 21st strike since early September, and more than 80 people have been killed in these operations. Some lawmakers, rights groups and allies have raised questions about the legality of the strikes. The US government said it has the legal authority to conduct the attacks. Officials explained that a legal opinion was issued to confirm that US personnel involved in the operations are not at risk of prosecution. They did not explain why the boats were destroyed instead of intercepted for arrests. Critics said this lack of clarity has made the operations controversial. The US president said the country might hold talks with the president of Venezuela. He said the Venezuelan leader had shown interest in starting a dialogue. This was one of the first signs that the tense situation could ease. Washington has made public accusations that the Venezuelan leader has ties to illegal drug activity, which he denies. The new comment from the US president shows a possible shift toward a diplomatic path. The US has also increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea. The navy said its most advanced aircraft carrier arrived in the region on Sunday. The carrier traveled with fighter jets, destroyers and thousands of sailors and marines. The group passed through a key waterway near the British Virgin Islands before joining other US vessels already in the area. The group is part of a mission that includes nearly a dozen navy ships and close to 12,000 service members. US military leaders said the goal is to protect the region from drug-related threats. One commander said the large force would help strengthen security and support stability in the western hemisphere. Another senior commander, who will soon retire, said the deployment shows the US commitment to defending its interests and partners in the area. The arrival of the aircraft carrier completed the largest show of US military power in the region in many years. It also raised questions about the direction of US policy in South America. Some observers said the buildup could be a message to groups involved in drug trafficking. Others said it could be linked to broader political goals. In Trinidad and Tobago, which is close to Venezuela, local officials confirmed that joint training sessions with US forces had begun. These exercises will continue through much of the week. Officials said the drills are aimed at addressing violent crime and the drug trade. The island nation has become an important stop for drug shipments headed toward Europe and North America. Local leaders have been strong supporters of the recent US strikes. Troops from a US marine unit that has been near the coast of Venezuela for months will take part in the exercises. The government of Venezuela said earlier that the training was an act of aggression. Officials there did not respond immediately to the arrival of the aircraft carrier. The US drug boat strike has increased global attention on the region. The situation remains tense, with a growing US military presence and new hints of possible talks. It is still unclear if diplomacy or conflict will shape the next stage of this crisis.