The United States has once again taken action against drug-smuggling vessels. US Secretary of Defense Haggess shared footage of the US military operation on social media, showing that on the 22nd, a suspected drug-smuggling vessel was targeted by a drone strike in international waters of the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of two suspected members of a designated terrorist organization (DTO). This marks the eighth US military strike on suspicious drug vessels since the 2nd of last month, and the first operation conducted in the Pacific.
According to the Department of Defense, authorities had been monitoring the vessel for some time. Haggess indicated that intelligence showed the vessel was linked to a terrorist organization and was carrying drugs, transiting along a known trafficking route, suspected of attempting to smuggle narcotics. No US military personnel were injured during the operation. President Trump stated that attacks on the high seas have legal authorization, but expanding to land targets would require Congressional approval. Secretary of State Rubio also took a hardline stance, stressing that if people don't want their vessels blown up, they should stop smuggling drugs into the US.
Recent US military anti-drug operations have resulted in at least 34 deaths, raising concerns over the legality of the actions and the identification of those targeted. The issue has also led to heightened tensions between the US and Colombia, with Trump directly accusing Colombian President Petro of encouraging drug production and calling him a drug lord, threatening to take severe measures. On Wednesday, Trump announced the immediate suspension of all payments to Colombia.