U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces bipartisan pressure to clarify operational protocols following controversial maritime strikes targeting suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. The operations, conducted earlier this year, have drawn criticism from lawmakers demanding greater transparency about civilian risk assessments and engagement rules.
While Hegseth reaffirmed the Pentagon's commitment to combating narcotics networks during a press briefing this week, congressional leaders from both parties have scheduled hearings to examine the legal framework governing such military actions. The debate comes as regional partners express concerns about collateral damage impacting fishing communities.
Analysts note these developments coincide with shifting patterns in global drug trafficking routes, with 2025 seeing increased maritime activity compared to previous years. Security experts emphasize the need for updated multinational coordination mechanisms to address evolving challenges in hemispheric security.
