The U.S. Department of War, led by Secretary Pete Hegseth, has announced the eighth strike on a suspected drug vessel, this time in the Eastern Pacific. The operation, conducted in international waters, was directed by President Donald Trump, who has been actively pushing for a more aggressive approach against drug trafficking networks. The strike resulted in the deaths of two individuals suspected of being involved with narco-terrorism, with no U.S. casualties reported.
This latest strike follows a series of similar operations conducted by the Trump administration, with prior strikes primarily focused on the Caribbean region. The most recent strike was part of a broader campaign aimed at dismantling transnational cartels through targeted military actions. Hegseth described the vessel as being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, traveling along a known route for drug trafficking activities. The strike was a direct response to the perceived threat posed by these organizations, particularly those associated with designated terrorist groups.
The ELN, a designated terrorist organization based in Colombia, has been a focal point of these operations. The strike on a vessel linked to the ELN was conducted in international waters, with the goal of disrupting drug trafficking routes and targeting key individuals within the network. The Trump administration has been vocal about its commitment to combating narco-terrorism, emphasizing the need for a strong and decisive response.
These operations have resulted in a significant toll on suspected smugglers, with at least 34 individuals killed as of the latest reports. The strikes have been part of a coordinated effort to disrupt drug trafficking, with recent actions including a strike on a submarine in the Caribbean and another off the coast of Venezuela. The administration has argued that these measures are necessary to prevent the flow of narcotics into the United States and to protect national security.
The decision to conduct these strikes has been met with mixed reactions, with some critics arguing that the use of lethal force against drug traffickers could lead to increased violence and instability. However, the administration maintains that these actions are essential in the fight against narco-terrorism and the ongoing drug crisis. The strategy reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing military intervention as a key tool in combating transnational criminal organizations.