The U.S. military has conducted another strike in the eastern Pacific as part of its ongoing campaign against drug smuggling networks in Latin America. The operation, which killed four individuals accused of smuggling drugs on boats, took place on Wednesday and was announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth revealed the details of the strike during a cabinet meeting with President Trump this month, emphasizing the military’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
The latest strike comes two days after a series of strikes that resulted in the highest number of casualties in the weekslong campaign. These actions have been part of a broader initiative to disrupt drug trafficking routes and dismantle smuggling operations. Hegseth stated that the strikes are a critical component of the administration’s strategy to address the opioid crisis and other drug-related issues in the United States.
While the military operations are primarily aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks, they have also sparked debates about the use of force in counter-narcotics efforts. Critics argue that such operations may have unintended consequences, including the risk of civilian casualties and the potential for increased violence in the region. However, supporters of the campaign maintain that these actions are necessary to protect national security and public health.