American military forces destroyed a boat suspected of drug transport in Pacific waters and killed two people aboard. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the vessel traveled along a recognized smuggling path through international territory. The attack represents the eighth strike against alleged narcotics carriers since Sept. 2 but marks the first operation in Caribbean waters.
Video footage captured a blue speedboat moving across open water before weapons hit the target. Hegseth said criminal groups bringing drugs into American territory face elimination anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. At least 36 people have died in raids against suspected smuggling craft since operations began.
Two survivors from a previous attack returned to Colombia and Ecuador last week. Ecuadorian authorities released one man after finding no criminal evidence, while the other remained in medical care. President Donald Trump justified the military action as essential counternarcotics work against trafficking organizations.
The administration sent lawmakers a memo declaring armed conflict with drug cartels. Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Sunday of encouraging narcotics production and canceled aid to the South American nation. About 10,000 American troops deployed to the Caribbean region support the mission with aircraft and naval vessels.
