US Conducts Additional ‘Lethal’ Strikes on Suspected Drug Vessels in International Waters, Secretary Hegseth Reports

In a significant escalation of counter-narcotics operations, U.S. forces conducted two lethal strikes against suspected drug smuggling vessels in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of six individuals described as “narco-terrorists,” according to War Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The operations, carried out Sunday under direct authorization from President Trump, targeted boats that intelligence sources had identified as being operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations and carrying illicit narcotics through known trafficking routes.

“Both strikes were conducted in international waters and 3 male narco-terrorists were aboard each vessel. All 6 were killed. No U.S. forces were harmed,” Hegseth stated in an official release.

The War Secretary emphasized the administration’s aggressive stance on border security and drug interdiction, adding: “Under President Trump, we are protecting the homeland and killing these cartel terrorists who wish to harm our country and its people.”

These strikes represent a notable shift in U.S. counter-narcotics strategy, employing military force against suspected drug runners in international waters. The term “lethal kinetic strikes” suggests precision-guided munitions were likely used in the operation.

The Eastern Pacific has long been a critical corridor for drug trafficking organizations moving narcotics from South American production zones toward the United States. Mexican cartels, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel, frequently use maritime routes to transport cocaine and other drugs northward before crossing land borders.

This military approach to drug interdiction comes amid the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on illegal border crossings and narcotics trafficking. Earlier this year, the administration reclassified several major drug cartels as terrorist organizations, providing additional legal authorities for U.S. security forces to target their operations.

Drug policy experts have noted mixed reactions to the strategy. Proponents argue that aggressive interdiction disrupts supply chains and demonstrates immediate consequences for traffickers. Critics question whether military strikes on suspected drug boats represent an effective long-term solution to America’s drug crisis, which many health experts describe primarily as a public health issue.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy have traditionally led maritime interdiction efforts in these waters, typically resulting in arrests rather than casualties. This apparent shift toward lethal force may signal a new phase in America’s decades-long war on drugs.

The Department of Defense has not yet released additional details about the strikes, including the specific weapons systems used or the precise location within the Eastern Pacific. Officials have also not disclosed which terrorist organizations were allegedly operating the vessels.

This incident follows similar operations in recent months, indicating an intensified campaign against maritime drug trafficking under the current administration. Naval assets in the region have been reinforced, and surveillance capabilities have reportedly been enhanced to identify suspicious vessels.

The Eastern Pacific corridor is estimated to facilitate the movement of hundreds of tons of cocaine annually, with fast boats and semi-submersibles being common transportation methods for traffickers seeking to evade detection.

Defense officials have promised further information as the situation develops, though operational security concerns may limit the details released to the public. Congressional oversight committees are expected to receive classified briefings on the operations in the coming days.