8 Killed in Latest US Strikes on Suspected Narco-Trafficking Boats in Eastern Pacific
US military strikes three suspected narco-trafficking boats in Eastern Pacific, killing 8 alleged narco-terrorists.
The US military carried out airstrikes on suspected narco-trafficking boats in the Eastern Pacific, killing eight individuals, officials confirmed. The strikes targeted three vessels allegedly operating along known drug-trafficking routes, marking the latest action in an ongoing campaign against maritime drug networks.
According to a statement from the US Southern Command posted on X, “A total of eight male narco-terrorists were killed during these actions – three in the first vessel, two in the second, and three in the third.” A video accompanying the statement showed a fast-moving boat moments before it exploded, though no independent evidence was provided to verify the claims.
Since August 2025, US forces stationed in the Caribbean and Pacific have reportedly killed at least 90 people and destroyed 20 vessels in similar operations. President Trump defended the campaign in Congress, describing it as part of an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, aimed at curbing maritime smuggling networks that threaten regional security.
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The latest strikes come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with escalating rhetoric from both sides. The Trump administration is facing intense scrutiny in Congress over the legality and oversight of these military operations, prompting closed-door briefings by top officials including Secretary of State and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth is under particular criticism over a September 2 incident in which a second strike was authorized on a vessel after initial survivors were observed, resulting in additional casualties. While the Defense Secretary has denied wrongdoing, Democratic lawmakers have called for his resignation, citing concerns over accountability and adherence to international law.
The ongoing maritime campaign underscores the US administration’s aggressive approach to countering drug trafficking in the region. However, the lack of independently verified evidence and repeated incidents involving survivors raise questions about operational protocols, civilian risk, and Congressional oversight of these strikes.
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