The U.S. military has executed another airstrike targeting an alleged drug cartel vessel, this time in the Pacific Ocean, according to two U.S. officials. This operation marks the eighth known airstrike against suspected drug boats since early September. Tragically, there were no survivors from Tuesday night’s strike, with estimates suggesting that between two to three individuals aboard were killed.
Tuesday night’s airstrike took place in the waters west of Central America, as reported by one of the officials. The previous seven airstrikes had focused on alleged drug cartel vessels operating within the Caribbean Sea. The cumulative toll of these military actions has resulted in at least 34 fatalities linked to the strikes carried out by the U.S. military.
CBS News was the first outlet to report on this recent airstrike, which has garnered significant attention. Following the operation, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared footage of the strike on social media, confirming that it resulted in the deaths of two individuals and occurred in the Eastern Pacific. He emphasized that no U.S. forces were harmed during the operation, stating, “Narco-terrorists intending to bring poison to our shores will find no safe harbor anywhere in our hemisphere.”
Hegseth further likened the situation to past threats, declaring, “Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people. There will be no refuge or forgiveness—only justice.” His comments were posted on the social media platform X.
The use of lethal military force against alleged drug traffickers is unprecedented and has sparked a debate over legal implications. Historically, past administrations have employed law enforcement tactics to disrupt drug shipments. The Trump administration defended these military strikes as part of an ongoing war against drug cartels, highlighting the advanced capabilities of modern drug trafficking vessels. Trump remarked last week, “Some of these boats are seriously— I mean, they're world-class speedboats—but they’re not faster than missiles.”
This ongoing military campaign against drug cartels reflects a significant shift in strategy and raises critical questions about the balance between national security and legal oversight. As the situation develops, the implications of these airstrikes will likely continue to be a focal point of discussion in both military and political spheres.
