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A series of US strikes against suspected drug vessels in the eastern Pacific has killed 14 alleged drug traffickers and left one survivor, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says.
In a post on X, Hegseth said Mexican authorities took over the search-and-rescue operation for the lone survivor from the three strikes, which took place on Tuesday.
During a recent discussion, Hegseth disclosed that intelligence had identified four vessels actively navigating established narco-trafficking routes while transporting illicit drugs. This revelation sheds light on the ongoing battle against drug smuggling and the crucial role intelligence plays in intercepting such activities.
Hegseth posted a roughly 30-second video, which appeared to show two vessels close together in the water before exploding.
One is visibly laden with a large amount of parcels or bundles.
Another part of the video shows a vessel moving in the water, which then explodes.
Trump has also authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.
The Pentagon has provided little information about any of the strikes, including the quantity of drugs the boats allegedly carried and the identities of those killed.
However, these targeted strikes have sparked concern among certain legislators. They are scrutinizing whether these military actions comply with the established laws of war, raising important questions about the legality and ethical considerations of such operations. This debate highlights the delicate balance between national security efforts and adherence to international legal standards.
Legal experts have questioned why the US military is carrying out the strikes, instead of the Coast Guard, which is the main US maritime law enforcement agency, and why other efforts to halt the shipments were not made before resorting to deadly strikes.
The strikes in the Pacific come against the backdrop of a US military build-up in the Caribbean that includes guided-missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine and thousands of troops.
The administration has ordered the Ford carrier strike group to the region and is expected to reach the Caribbean in the coming weeks.
