In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the U.S. military conducted three strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, targeting four boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, with one survivor reported. This marks the deadliest single day since the Trump administration intensified its controversial campaign against drug cartels in South American waters. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the strikes, emphasizing their alignment with the broader war on terrorism. The operation has drawn sharp criticism from regional allies, including Mexico and Colombia, further straining diplomatic relations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly condemned the strikes, calling for adherence to international treaties and initiating discussions with U.S. officials. Colombia, a key partner in U.S. anti-drug efforts, also expressed discontent, particularly after the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro and his associates over alleged ties to the global drug trade. The U.S. military has yet to provide concrete evidence linking the targeted boats to drug cartels or identifying the individuals killed. The campaign, which began in early September, has now resulted in at least 57 fatalities across 13 disclosed strikes. Speculation persists that the operations may be aimed at destabilizing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. accuses of narcoterrorism. Amid rising tensions, the Pentagon has deployed additional military assets to the region, including an aircraft carrier and supersonic bombers. President Trump has defended the strikes, asserting legal authority and comparing the fight against drug cartels to the war on terrorism. Hegseth echoed this sentiment, claiming that cartels have caused more American deaths than Al-Qaeda and vowing to treat them with equal severity.
US launches strikes on alleged drug-running boats off Colombia, killing 14
