U.S. Military Conducts Strikes in Eastern Pacific
The U.S. military reported on Monday that it conducted strikes against three vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in eight fatalities. The military stated that these vessels were involved in drug smuggling and were targeting "designated terrorist organizations."
- Strike Details:
- First vessel: 3 fatalities
- Second vessel: 2 fatalities
- Third vessel: 3 fatalities
No immediate evidence regarding the alleged drug trafficking was provided by the military, though a video of a boat exploding after a strike was released.
Presidential Justification and Congressional Scrutiny
President Donald Trump has justified these actions as a necessary measure to impede the flow of drugs into the United States, asserting that the U.S. is engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels.
However, the administration's military campaign has drawn increasing scrutiny from lawmakers. Since early September, this campaign has reportedly caused at least 95 fatalities across 25 known strikes. This count includes a reported follow-up strike where two survivors clinging to wreckage after an initial hit were killed.
Upcoming Capitol Hill Briefings
Briefings for all members of Congress are scheduled on Capitol Hill following these latest strikes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other senior national security officials are expected to provide closed-door sessions to both House and Senate lawmakers.
Context: Venezuela Operations
The military operations coincide with increased pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S. Last week, U.S. forces seized a sanctioned oil tanker accused by the Trump administration of smuggling illicit crude. Maduro has contended that the U.S. military operations are primarily aimed at removing him from office.
The U.S. military has established its most extensive presence in the region in decades, conducting a series of strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in both the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. President Trump has indicated that land attacks are forthcoming, without specifying locations.