A US strike in the Caribbean resulted in the deaths of three men, according to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth stated the strike targeted an alleged drug-smuggling boat. This incident is the latest in a series of operations against vessels that the US administration claims are involved in drug smuggling.
US Defence Secretary's Statement
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that three individuals died in a US strike on Saturday. Hegseth stated the targeted vessel was operated by a designated terrorist organization, without identifying the specific group. He added that the boat was traveling in international waters along a known drug-smuggling route and was carrying narcotics, but specific evidence was not provided. A video released with Hegseth's statement appeared to show a blurred vessel on water before an explosion. The Trump administration has described its targets as "narco-terrorists."
Context of Operations
This strike is the latest in a series of operations that began in September, targeting vessels the US administration claims are used for drug smuggling into the US. Combating the flow of illegal drugs is a stated policy priority for US President Donald Trump.
Reactions and Concerns
Since the strikes began, questions regarding their legality under international law have been raised by experts. Latin American leaders have voiced strong criticism of these operations, particularly as their citizens have been targeted. Some analyses have linked the strikes to efforts to influence politically opposed governments in the region.