Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced late Thursday that U.S. military forces had seized another suspect vessel linked to drug trafficking in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of three individuals labeled as “narco-terrorists.”
He mentioned that the ship was operated by a group classified as a terrorist organization, which was destroyed in international waters. However, it’s not specified which organization he meant. Thankfully, no U.S. personnel were injured during this operation.
“As we’ve stated previously, we will keep targeting ships involved in drug trafficking until they cease their operations that harm the American populace,” Hegseth said in a statement. “To the narco-terrorists threatening our country: If you want to survive, stop drug trafficking. If you insist on continuing, we will take action against you.”
Since the initiation of these operations in early September, the U.S. military has conducted 17 airstrikes, claiming at least 70 lives. These attacks have taken place in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
The airstrikes have drawn criticism from members of both parties, with some Democrats and Republicans questioning the administration about the choice of targets, the legalities of the operations, and criteria for selecting fishing boats.
The administration has held at least 13 briefings, including a recent classified session led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hegseth. Despite this, concerns from some Democrats, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, remain. Others, like Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the leading Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, indicated that while there was a general overview provided regarding target selection, uncertainties persist about the specifics.
“What happens if innocent bystanders are nearby? The Department of Defense (DOD) usually considers such scenarios, but we haven’t fully delved into the details yet. We’re not overly concerned about targeting fishing boats since our intelligence is solid, but we lack complete assurance about who’s on those vessels and their intentions,” Himes mentioned Wednesday.
Amid escalating tensions with Venezuela’s government as it continues its maritime assaults, the Pentagon has increased its military presence in U.S. Southern Command areas.
President Trump and other officials have branded Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro an “illegitimate leader,” with Trump suggesting in a recent CBS “60 Minutes” interview that Maduro’s time is running out.
Although Trump has hinted at the potential for military action within Venezuela, he has not taken that step yet.
Earlier on Thursday, Republican senators narrowly voted 51-49 against a war powers resolution presented by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) that aimed to restrict the president from launching military actions in Venezuela without Congressional consent.
