A recent statement from U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that a series of U.S. military strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, with only one survivor. The Secretary claimed that the individuals onboard were involved in drug trafficking. Mexican authorities took control of the search-and-rescue efforts for the lone survivor after the strikes occurred on Monday. Hegseth mentioned that intelligence had identified the four vessels as part of known drug trafficking routes, carrying illicit substances, although no concrete evidence was provided.
Footage shared by Hegseth depicted the boats in close proximity before explosions occurred. The strikes in the Pacific followed similar operations in the Caribbean earlier in September. Concerns have been raised by experts regarding the legality of these strikes, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 57 individuals. Notably, there is uncertainty about whether alternative measures were considered to intercept the shipments, as standard drug interdiction efforts involve the U.S. Coast Guard.
The U.S. military has bolstered its presence in the Caribbean with assets such as the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and approximately 6,500 troops. Speculation arose last week when supersonic heavy bombers were flown near Venezuela’s coast, suggesting potential actions against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. administration has ramped up efforts to capture Maduro, offering a $50 million reward and alleging ties between criminal groups and the Venezuelan government.
Criticism has emerged from U.S. Congress members, including Republicans, questioning the transparency and details provided by the administration on the strikes. Despite concerns, a Democratic-led resolution seeking congressional authorization before military actions was rejected by the Republican-majority Senate. President Trump defended the strikes, emphasizing targeting drug traffickers to protect the country.
The strikes have faced international condemnation, with leaders from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela expressing disapproval. UN experts denounced the military actions as a dangerous escalation, highlighting concerns about violations of international law and sovereignty. The independent experts emphasized the need for proper legal justifications for the use of lethal force in international waters, cautioning against extrajudicial executions.
The situation has parallels with former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s trial at the International Criminal Court over allegations of approving extrajudicial killings of drug offenders. Questions have been raised about the retirement of U.S. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, head of U.S. Southern Command, amid the escalating tensions in the region. Despite labeling those onboard drug-laden boats as enemy combatants, the U.S. repatriated survivors to their home countries rather than detaining them.
