US forces killed 15 people after striking four vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced. Mexican rescue teams saved one person from the attacks, which targeted boats traveling known smuggling routes and carrying narcotics. The operations brought the death toll from similar raids to at least 57 since President Donald Trump authorized the campaign against maritime drug transport.
The strikes have sparked diplomatic friction with Colombia and Venezuela while raising questions about presidential war powers from lawmakers in both parties. Colombian officials called the attacks excessive and illegal under international law because the targets had no chance to surrender or face judicial proceedings. Trump maintains he holds legal authority for strikes in international waters but may request congressional approval before hitting land targets.
The strikes have sparked diplomatic friction with Colombia and Venezuela while raising questions about presidential war powers from lawmakers in both parties. Colombian officials called the attacks excessive and illegal under international law because the targets had no chance to surrender or face judicial proceedings. Trump maintains he holds legal authority for strikes in international waters but may request congressional approval before hitting land targets.
