US destroys four drug-smuggling boats in Pacific Ocean, 14 dead
text_fields
US forces killed 14 people in strikes that destroyed four alleged drug-smuggling boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday.
The operation raised the death toll from Washington’s ongoing anti-narcotics campaign to at least 57.
The United States began its strikes in early September and has since destroyed at least 14 vessels across the Caribbean and Pacific. Experts have described these operations as illegal.
"A total of 14 narco-terrorists were killed during the three strikes, with one survivor. All strikes were in international waters with no US forces harmed," Hegseth said in a post on X, referring to the attacks carried out a day earlier.
He said the boats were identified by US intelligence as traveling along known drug-trafficking routes and carrying narcotics. Hegseth’s post included videos showing the strikes - two targeting stationary boats moored together, and the others hitting vessels speeding across open waters.
The Pentagon chief added that US Southern Command "immediately" began searching for the lone survivor, and that Mexican authorities "accepted the case and assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue." He did not say whether the survivor had been located.
The US military has increased its presence in Latin America, saying the move is aimed at countering drug trafficking. The buildup includes seven Navy warships, F-35 stealth fighter jets, and the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group.
However, the strikes and expanded military presence have heightened tensions in the region. Venezuela has accused the US of plotting to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro, who in turn has accused Washington of "fabricating a war."