On Friday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the United States conducted another military strike against a vessel believed to be linked to drug traffickers. This operation occurred in the Caribbean Sea and targeted a group identified as the Tren de Aragua criminal organization. Hegseth reported that the strike resulted in the deaths of six male narco-terrorists who were aboard the ship at the time.
The recent strike is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration aimed at curbing drug trafficking in the region. Since early September, the US has conducted a series of military operations targeting ships associated with drug trafficking. Hegseth shared a video on social media platform X, illustrating the operation. The footage captures a boat in the crosshairs before it detonates, engulfing the area in a cloud of smoke.
This latest operation marks the tenth strike carried out by the Trump administration against alleged drug traffickers in recent months. While most strikes have occurred in the Caribbean and off the coast of South America, significant military actions were also executed in the Pacific Ocean on October 21 and 22.
There has been growing concern among members of US Congress, spanning both the Democratic and Republican parties, regarding the legality of these military strikes and the presidential authority under which they are executed. On September 10, 25 Democratic senators urged the White House, questioning the validity of an earlier strike against a vessel. They argued that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the individuals onboard or the cargo posed a legitimate threat to the United States.
Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has emphasized that such military actions should require congressional approval. In response to these concerns, President Trump defended his actions, asserting that he possesses the legal authority to order these strikes and has officially designated the Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization. “We’re allowed to do that, and if we do it by land, we may go back to Congress,” Trump stated to reporters at the White House.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s sentiments, suggesting that if individuals wish to see an end to the destruction of drug boats, they should cease sending illicit drugs to the United States. The most recent operation, as announced by Hegseth, has resulted in the deaths of six individuals, raising the total number of casualties from US strikes to at least 43.
While the stated goal of these strikes is to combat drug trafficking, it is widely believed that there may be additional motives at play. Many speculate that these military actions are also intended to exert pressure on the government of President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, a long-time adversary of President Trump. Trump has accused Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking organization, a claim that the Venezuelan leader vehemently denies.