U.S. Targets Pacific Drug Boats: 14 Killed, 1 Survivor
The U.S. military has intensified its anti-drug trafficking campaign in the eastern Pacific Ocean. On Monday, four vessels suspected of drug trafficking were targeted in a series of strikes. This operation resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals linked to narco-trafficking and left one survivor.
Details of the Strikes
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the attacks through a post on X. According to Hegseth, the vessels were engaged at known narco-trafficking routes where narcotics were likely being transported.
Casualties from the Operations
- First strike: 8 narco-traffickers killed
- Second strike: 4 narco-traffickers killed
- Third strike: 2 narco-traffickers killed
Overall, this operation raised the death toll in the ongoing campaign against drug traffickers to over 50. Hegseth emphasized that these individuals pose a significant threat, claiming they have caused more American deaths than Al-Qaeda.
Military and Humanitarian Response
Following the strikes, U.S. military personnel initiated immediate search and rescue operations for the survivor. Coordination for the rescue has been handed over to Mexican authorities. However, details about the survivor’s status remain unclear.
Official Statements
The President, currently on a multi-day trip in Asia, announced that the administration would provide Congress with updates on the strikes. He stated that there is no intention to declare war, but emphasized a robust approach to eliminating drug traffickers.
In a pointed statement, he remarked, “We’re going to kill those bringing drugs into our country.” Additionally, the President hinted at potential future strikes in Venezuela as tensions escalate.
Criticism of the Operations
Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the legality of these military actions. Senator Rand Paul criticized the airstrikes, labeling them as “extrajudicial killings.” He expressed frustration over the lack of information provided to Congress regarding these military operations.
This operation reflects a significant escalation in the U.S. military’s efforts to combat drug trafficking, focusing on the eastern Pacific. As authorities monitor further developments, the implications of these strikes are likely to fuel ongoing debates about the methods employed in the fight against narcotics.
