Overview
- Defense chief Pete Hegseth said on X that U.S. forces struck a boat in the eastern Pacific on Wednesday, killing four people.
- He said the vessel was carrying drugs and that the operation took place in international waters.
- The announcement follows Hegseth’s disclosure earlier this week of three Pacific strikes that he said left 14 dead.
- U.S. forces have repeatedly targeted suspected smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Pacific in recent weeks, with reports of dozens killed.
- UN human rights experts and the UN Secretary‑General’s spokesperson have voiced serious concern, urging accountability and steps to avoid escalation.