US forces have killed 14 people in strikes on four alleged drug boats in the Pacific, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says. He noted that one survivor was rescued by Mexican search and rescue personnel. This incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting vessels the US claims are transporting drugs in the Pacific and Caribbean regions.
The recent strikes, which occurred on Monday under the directive of President Donald Trump, signify an escalation in the US's operations against drug traffickers. To date, at least 51 individuals have lost their lives in these military actions, contributing to increasing tensions with Colombia and Venezuela.
While most strikes have historically taken place in the Caribbean, there has been a recent shift towards operations in the Pacific as well. The US strikes have faced condemnation and legal scrutiny from various experts, as well as bipartisan concern from members of Congress regarding the president's authority to execute such attacks.
Hegseth revealed via a statement that the struck vessels were known to US intelligence and were transitioning through established drug trafficking routes. In the initial strike, eight 'narco-terrorists' were confirmed killed, followed by four and three in the subsequent strikes. Mexican search-and-rescue authorities have claimed responsibility for the coordination of the rescue of the one survivor, though details regarding his condition remain unclear.
Hegseth concluded, stating, 'The department has spent over two decades defending other homelands. Now, we're defending our own.'
The recent strikes, which occurred on Monday under the directive of President Donald Trump, signify an escalation in the US's operations against drug traffickers. To date, at least 51 individuals have lost their lives in these military actions, contributing to increasing tensions with Colombia and Venezuela.
While most strikes have historically taken place in the Caribbean, there has been a recent shift towards operations in the Pacific as well. The US strikes have faced condemnation and legal scrutiny from various experts, as well as bipartisan concern from members of Congress regarding the president's authority to execute such attacks.
Hegseth revealed via a statement that the struck vessels were known to US intelligence and were transitioning through established drug trafficking routes. In the initial strike, eight 'narco-terrorists' were confirmed killed, followed by four and three in the subsequent strikes. Mexican search-and-rescue authorities have claimed responsibility for the coordination of the rescue of the one survivor, though details regarding his condition remain unclear.
Hegseth concluded, stating, 'The department has spent over two decades defending other homelands. Now, we're defending our own.'
