U.S. Military Strikes on Suspected Drug Trafficking Vessels
Overview of Operations
Since September 2, the U.S. military has conducted consistent strikes against vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. These operations, occurring almost weekly, target boats the U.S. claims were intended for drug transportation into the United States. These strikes have reportedly resulted in dozens of fatalities.
Administration's Stated Justification and Strategy
Information regarding these operations has been disseminated through social media posts by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which include video footage of vessels being destroyed. The administration frames these strikes as part of a broader strategy against "narco-terrorists."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on November 4 that the military is committed to "find and and terminate EVERY vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens." A primary focus for the administration is Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang designated a foreign terrorist organization in January 2025.
President Trump has publicly accused Tren de Aragua of violent criminal activities within the U.S. and stated on September 23 that the U.S. military is being utilized to "destroy Venezuelan terrorists and trafficking networks led by [Venezuelan President] Nicolás Maduro." The Venezuelan government has denied any involvement in drug trafficking.
Evidence and Congressional Engagement
The administration has not publicly released further evidence to substantiate claims regarding the drug cargo on board the vessels or the identities of individuals involved. While select lawmakers have received briefings on these attacks, some, including Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee, have requested additional information.
Legal and International Considerations
Legal scholars have raised questions regarding the executive branch's authority to conduct these attacks in international waters without specific authorization of force from Congress. The administration maintains it possesses the requisite authority, stating a congressional declaration of war is not necessary for these operations.
Reports indicate potential civilian casualties or endangerment as a result of the strikes. Notably, Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the U.S. of causing the death of a Colombian fisherman, who he claimed had no ties to drug smuggling, in a September strike. These military operations have coincided with existing diplomatic tensions between the United States and several Latin American nations.