The U.S. military reported on Monday that it conducted strikes against three boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. The military stated these vessels were involved in alleged drug smuggling activities. This event occurs as congressional scrutiny regarding these maritime operations intensifies.
Details of the Strikes
The military's statement on social media indicated that the strikes targeted "designated terrorist organizations." Three individuals were killed on the first vessel, two on the second, and three on the third. The military did not publicly provide direct evidence of drug trafficking for these specific incidents but released a video showing a boat in motion before an explosion.
Administration's Stance and Congressional Review
President Donald Trump has publicly justified these operations as a necessary measure to curb the flow of drugs into the United States, characterizing the U.S. involvement as an "armed conflict" with drug cartels. However, the Trump administration faces increasing inquiry from lawmakers concerning the broader boat strike campaign. Since early September, this campaign has reportedly resulted in at least 95 fatalities across 25 known strikes. This count includes an incident where two survivors clinging to wreckage were killed in a follow-up strike.
Upcoming closed-door briefings for members of the House and Senate are scheduled to address the military campaign. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other senior national security officials are expected to participate.
Regional Context and Venezuela
This military campaign has been linked to increased pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S. In a recent development, U.S. forces seized a sanctioned oil tanker accused by the Trump administration of smuggling illicit crude. President Maduro has asserted that the primary objective of these U.S. military operations is to remove him from office.
Scope of Operations
The U.S. military has established its most significant presence in the region in decades, conducting a series of strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in both the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. President Trump has indicated that land-based attacks are also planned, though specific details regarding their location have not been disclosed.