The United States Department of War has conducted a series of lethal strikes in the Pacific Ocean, killing five individuals and destroying two vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking. These operations, announced by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, were directed by President Donald Trump as part of a broader campaign to combat illicit narcotics smuggling. The targeted strikes mark a shift in focus from previous operations in the Caribbean Sea, which have long been a focal point for anti-drug efforts. Hegseth stated that the strikes would continue until all ‘narco-terrorists’ are eliminated, highlighting the administration’s resolve to target narcotics trafficking networks.
The attacks, which took place off the western coast of Colombia, have sparked significant political backlash. Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro have both condemned the actions, with Petro alleging that the US is using the war on drugs as a pretext to assert control over Latin America’s natural resources. Petro, who has had a prolonged conflict with Trump over human rights concerns, recently saw his visa revoked after criticizing Trump’s immigration policies. Maduro, in turn, has accused Washington of orchestrating a coup in Venezuela under the guise of anti-drug operations, a claim supported by Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia.
The US administration has also faced scrutiny for its lack of transparency regarding the specific targets of these raids. While Washington claims the vessels were engaged in narcotics trafficking, political analysts suggest the operations may have broader strategic implications, including the reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine in Latin America. These developments mark a significant escalation in the region’s geopolitical tensions, with critics warning of the potential for increased militarization and conflict.