The U.S. struck another alleged drug-smuggling vessel Tuesday night, this time on the Pacific coast of South America.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike and that it was directed by President Trump.
“The vessel was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route, and carrying narcotics,” he said on X. “There were two narco-terrorists aboard the vessel during the strike, which was conducted in international waters. Both terrorists were killed and no U.S. forces were harmed in this strike.”
It was the eighth known U.S. attack on an alleged drug-running boat since Sept. 2, seven of which targeted vessels in the Caribbean. At least 34 people have been killed in such operations.
Two men survived a U.S. strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean last week, while two were killed. Mr. Trump said that the two will be returned to their countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia. The Colombian citizen remains hospitalized after his repatriation.
The Trump administration told Congress the U.S. is in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels it has designated as terrorist organizations.
Ecuador released the man, identified as Andrés Fernando Tufiño, after authorities said they had no evidence he committed a crime.
The Colombian citizen remains hospitalized after his repatriation, and Colombian authorities said he would face prosecution.
The Trump administration told Congress the U.S. is in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels it has designated as terrorist organizations.
The latest strike, first reported by CBS News, follows rising tensions between the U.S. and both Venezuela and Colombia.
