US military operations in the Pacific have resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals from four suspected drug trafficking boats, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A single survivor was rescued by Mexican search-and-rescue teams. These strikes are part of a broader effort by the US to target drug trafficking operations in both the Pacific and Caribbean regions.
Hegseth reported that the strikes occurred under the direction of President Donald Trump on Monday. He indicated that these actions represent an escalation in the US’s campaign against drug traffickers, with at least 57 individuals killed in recent attacks. Most of these incidents have taken place off the South American coast but have begun to extend into the Pacific Ocean.
The strikes have raised concerns among regional governments, notably Colombia and Venezuela, and have triggered questions about their legality. Bipartisan members of the US Congress have voiced apprehensions regarding Trump’s authority to authorize such actions. Hegseth asserted that the boats targeted were identified through US intelligence and were believed to be transporting narcotics along established trafficking routes.
The military actions included multiple strikes, resulting in varying casualties: eight in the first strike and four and three in subsequent operations. While the fate of the survivor remains uncertain, Mexican authorities have taken charge of the rescue operation. Hegseth’s announcement included footage showing boats ablaze after the US strikes.
Trump has proclaimed his legal right to continue targeting vessels in international waters. However, he has suggested potential Congressional approval for operations against land-based targets, which would signify a major escalation in the US’s counter-narcotics campaign. Critics, including Colombian officials, have labeled the strikes as excessive and lacking judicial oversight, amid rising tensions between the US and both Colombia and Venezuela.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0ex94eeljeo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss