U.S. Conducts Strikes Against Drug Traffickers in Pacific
The U.S. military executed strikes in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, targeting ships associated with illegal drug trafficking, per Army Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statements.
He explained, “We track them, we network with them, and we pursue and eliminate them.” On Tuesday, he revealed that there were “three lethal kinetic attacks against four vessels” allegedly linked to a “designated terrorist organization.”
In January, the Trump administration labeled international drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, claiming they bring “deadly drugs, violent criminals, and violent gangs” into the U.S.
According to Hegseth, the recent airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 14 narco-terrorists without any U.S. military casualties. Detailing the strikes, he mentioned, “In the first attack, there were eight male narco-terrorists on board the ship. The second had four, and the third had three.” He emphasized that after over two decades of securing other nations, the Department of Defense is now focusing on protecting the U.S. homeland, asserting that these narco-terrorists pose a significant threat, having caused more American deaths than Al Qaeda.
Hegseth also noted the presence of one survivor. “USSOUTHCOM initiated search and rescue protocols, with Mexican authorities taking the lead on coordinating the rescue effort,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the strikes. “We do not agree with these attacks or their methods,” she remarked, calling for adherence to international treaties.
In a separate operation, last week a strike targeted a vessel purportedly operated by the Torren de Aragua in the Caribbean. Hegseth mentioned that intelligence indicated the ship was engaged in drug smuggling and traveling along established routes. During that attack, six male narco-terrorists were confirmed dead with no U.S. casualties.
The United States has been actively involved in military actions targeting drug cartels, with reports indicating that more than a dozen related strikes have occurred since September, resulting in at least 57 fatalities.
