US forces have successfully intercepted and struck a vessel in the Pacific Ocean that was allegedly involved in drug trafficking, as confirmed by the Pentagon. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that two individuals on board the boat were killed in the operation, with no US service members sustaining any injuries.
The targeted vessel was under surveillance and believed to be carrying narcotics along a recognized trafficking route in international waters. This incident marks the eighth such strike against suspected drug smugglers by US forces since early September, and the first to occur in the Pacific region, following previous operations in the Caribbean.
Video footage released appears to show the speed boat being hit by US ordinance. Secretary Hegseth emphasized the US commitment to disrupting drug operations, stating, “Narco-terrorists intending to bring poison to our shores will find no safe harbor anywhere in our hemisphere.” He drew a parallel between the cartels and terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda, highlighting their perceived threat to national security.
Recent internal government assessments have reportedly classified these operations as a “non-international armed conflict” against drug-trafficking organizations. So far, these US-led strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 36 individuals involved in alleged drug smuggling.
In a separate development, US President Donald Trump has recently intensified rhetoric against Colombia, a key ally in counter-narcotics efforts. Trump criticized President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of promoting drug production and stated that the US would cease providing subsidies to Colombia. This statement comes amidst a backdrop of significant US military and naval deployment in the Caribbean and surrounding waters to combat illicit trafficking.
Both Colombia and Ecuador, nations with extensive Pacific coastlines, play crucial roles in the transit routes for drugs heading north towards the United States. Estimates suggest that the majority of cocaine destined for the US passes through the Pacific, underscoring the importance of these maritime interdictions.
While US officials have provided limited details regarding the identities of those killed or the specific organizations involved, the ongoing operations reflect a robust stance against international drug trafficking.