The U.S. struck two alleged drug boats Sunday in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing six people, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on social media.
“These vessels were known by our intelligence to be associated with illicit narcotics smuggling, were carrying narcotics, and were transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route in the Eastern Pacific,” Mr. Hegseth posted.
The Trump administration began its campaign against what it calls designated terrorist organizations, striking more than a dozen vessels in international waters and killing more than 70 since September. The administration has yet to provide evidence of drug smuggling.
The Associated Press reported that some victims of the strikes were indeed running drugs but were not narco-terrorists or leaders of a cartel or gang.
President Trump has said the U.S. is in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels and suggested seeking congressional approval for the ongoing military action.
Last week, the Senate narrowly voted down a proposal to require congressional approval for any potential military action taken by Mr. Trump against Venezuela.
The strikes have angered South American countries, including Venezuela, as Mr. Trump has outspokenly expressed his dislike for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Critics say the strikes amount to extrajudicial killings even if they target known traffickers.
“Under President Trump, we are protecting the homeland and killing these cartel terrorists who wish to harm our country and its people,” Mr. Hegseth said.
