Pentagon Says Eastern Pacific Strike Kills Four on Suspected Trafficking Vessel

Overview

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the targeted boat was operated by a U.S.-designated terrorist organization on a known narcotics route in international waters.
• Hegseth reported that four people aboard were killed and that no U.S. forces were injured.
• Officials described the operation as part of President Trump’s directive to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and combat narcoterrorism.
• The Pentagon highlighted a reinforced regional posture that includes deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the Caribbean under USSOUTHCOM.
• Reporting pointed to growing tension in Latin America over the campaign, with questions raised about legality and sovereignty.