Washington DC - President Donald Trump said Tuesday that another strike on boats allegedly taking drugs from Venezuela toward the US had killed six "narcoterrorists."

At least 27 people have been killed so far in such attacks, including this new one, which the administration says is necessary to protect the US from smuggled narcotics.

But many experts question the legality of using lethal force in foreign or international waters against suspects who have not been intercepted or questioned.

The latest strike was carried out in international waters, Trump said, adding that "the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks, and was transiting along a known DTO (designated terrorist organization) route."

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The US has also deployed warships in the Caribbean off Venezuela and used planes to destroy several speed boats since an initial strike on September 2.

The moves have raised tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has announced military exercises, placed his country on alert, and said the US naval deployment is designed to oust him.

Trump has said that his anti-drugs policy is working and that military action could be expanded to land routes.

Video of some of the strikes has been released by the US, showing speedboats suddenly engulfed in smoke and flames when hit.