The U.S. military conducted its first lethal strike against an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the Pacific this week, sinking the boat in international waters near Colombia’s coast and killing two people aboard. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as part of a broader counter-narcotics campaign, comparing cartels to terrorist groups “waging war on our border.”
Hegseth stated the action was ordered by former President Donald Trump, though he provided no evidence linking the vessel to a specific terrorist organization. The New York Times reported the strike occurred along a known drug transit route, marking an expansion of U.S. maritime operations previously focused on the Caribbean.
This incident brings the total death toll from recent U.S. anti-drug operations at sea to at least 34. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro condemned similar actions earlier this month as “murder,” sparking a diplomatic rift. Trump retaliated by cutting aid to Colombia and threatening tariffs.
Analysts note the escalation reflects growing U.S. reliance on military solutions to combat drug trafficking, despite concerns from regional partners. The Pentagon has conducted seven prior vessel-sinking operations in Caribbean waters since September, primarily targeting boats allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela.
