Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed that American forces conducted two additional strikes on vessels in the eastern Pacific on Sunday, resulting in six deaths and bringing the campaign total to 76 fatalities across 19 operations since early September. The attacks targeted boats traveling through recognized drug trafficking corridors in international waters, with Hegseth sharing video footage showing one stationary craft with visible occupants and another moving at high velocity, though no evidence substantiated narcotics presence aboard either vessel.
Legal experts have challenged the legitimacy of these operations, arguing that international law prohibits deliberately killing civilians who present no immediate violent threat, regardless of suspected criminal activity. The administration defends its actions by citing a presidential declaration of armed conflict with drug cartels. Meanwhile, the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and three destroyers are expected to reach the Caribbean this week, expanding military presence alongside roughly 10,000 troops currently deployed on warships and Puerto Rican bases.
Legal experts have challenged the legitimacy of these operations, arguing that international law prohibits deliberately killing civilians who present no immediate violent threat, regardless of suspected criminal activity. The administration defends its actions by citing a presidential declaration of armed conflict with drug cartels. Meanwhile, the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and three destroyers are expected to reach the Caribbean this week, expanding military presence alongside roughly 10,000 troops currently deployed on warships and Puerto Rican bases.
