The US military conducted a strike on a suspected drug boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics,” Hegseth stated.
He also shared a 22-second video on X, depicting the boat in international waters being engulfed in a significant explosion.
This strike follows earlier US attacks in the region this week that resulted in 14 fatalities.
The recent operation has raised the death toll from Washington’s anti-narcotics campaign to at least 62.
On the same day, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro reported the interception of three aircraft allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
The US has established a substantial military presence near Venezuela, which it has labeled an anti-drug operation.
This buildup includes seven US Navy warships, F-35 stealth warplanes, and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group.
Caracas has expressed concerns that this military presence may be a pretext for actions aimed at removing Maduro from power.
While US President Donald Trump described the strikes as a necessary measure to reduce the influx of drugs into the country, Washington has not provided public evidence demonstrating that the targeted vessels were engaged in drug smuggling or posed a threat to the US.
Experts have criticized the US operation, with UN officials cautioning about potential violations of international law.
A spokesperson for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the developments, stating, “Every time someone is killed, there needs to be accountability.”
