The U.S. military has carried out a series of targeted strikes on four suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals. One survivor was recovered and is now under the care of Mexican authorities, according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
These strikes are part of a broader, intensified effort under President Donald Trump to disrupt drug trafficking operations in international waters. Hegseth confirmed via social media that the targeted boats were identified through intelligence as being on known narco-trafficking routes and carrying illicit substances. The Secretary detailed that a total of 15 individuals were on the vessels during the attacks, with 14 fatalities and one survivor. He stressed that all operations were conducted in international waters and without any harm to U.S. personnel.
Following the strikes, U.S. Southern Command activated its search and rescue protocols for the sole survivor. The responsibility for coordinating the rescue has been transferred to Mexican SAR authorities, highlighting a cooperative approach to maritime incidents. This incident is the latest in a series of aggressive U.S. military actions against drug smugglers.
Collectively, since early September, U.S. forces have conducted 13 operations resulting in the destruction of 14 vessels and the deaths of 57 suspected traffickers, with three survivors rescued. The campaign, initially focused on the Caribbean, has recently expanded its scope to include the eastern Pacific. Earlier operations in the Caribbean saw U.S. Navy detaining survivors who were later repatriated.
Information suggests the U.S. administration has issued legal justifications for employing lethal force against drug traffickers, classifying them as enemy combatants. This classification reportedly allows for such actions to proceed without judicial oversight. Mexican officials have acknowledged being informed of the operation, noting its occurrence in international waters.