The U.S. military conducted its ninth operation targeting a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, as announced by U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on social media. This action follows a previous strike the night before, also in the eastern Pacific, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals, according to Hegseth. These recent operations mark a shift from previous strikes in the Caribbean and have brought the total death toll from all incidents, initiated last month, to at least 37.
The military’s expanded targeting scope now includes the waters off South America, a region where a significant amount of cocaine from major producers is smuggled. Hegseth drew parallels between the ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking and the U.S. response to terrorism post-9/11, likening the drug cartels to enemies attacking American borders and citizens.
U.S. President Donald Trump has justified these operations by framing them as part of an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, labeling these criminal organizations as unlawful combatants. Trump has hinted at the possibility of future strikes on land, emphasizing preparedness for such actions and indicating a willingness to seek congressional approval. While some lawmakers have raised concerns about the lack of congressional authorization and transparency surrounding these military actions, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the strikes, asserting that halting drug shipments to the U.S. would prevent further confrontations at sea.
The escalating tensions and military actions in the region have raised questions about the Trump administration’s strategy and approach to combating drug trafficking operations near South America.
