WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military recently struck a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing everyone aboard, as part of an ongoing effort against drug trafficking. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the announcement, stating that intelligence indicated the vessel was transporting drugs along a known route used by narco-traffickers. The strike occurred in international waters, with no U.S. personnel harmed. A video shared by Hegseth showed the boat exploding.
The operation is part of a nearly two-month campaign in the waters off South America, amidst rising speculation about a potential intent to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been accused of narcoterrorism by the U.S. However, critics of the administration have pointed out that there is no public evidence to substantiate the claims surrounding the struck boats or the identity of those involved.
The operation is part of a nearly two-month campaign in the waters off South America, amidst rising speculation about a potential intent to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been accused of narcoterrorism by the U.S. However, critics of the administration have pointed out that there is no public evidence to substantiate the claims surrounding the struck boats or the identity of those involved.
