Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday’s attacks hit two vessels in international waters in the eastern Pacific and were operated by designated terrorist organizations.
- The publicly disclosed tally now stands at roughly 18–19 strikes, at least 75–76 people killed, and about 20 vessels destroyed since early September.
- Officials claim the boats carried narcotics along known trafficking routes, but they have not released corroborating evidence or the identities of those killed.
- U.N. human-rights officials and lawmakers from both parties are seeking investigations, legal opinions, and more detail on how targets are selected.
- The campaign is unfolding alongside a substantial U.S. naval and air buildup in the region that has increased tensions with Venezuela.