Two people were killed after U.S. forces carried out a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Eastern Pacific, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth confirmed that the operation, conducted over the weekend, targeted a vessel believed to be transporting illegal narcotics through international waters. The strike reportedly followed an intelligence-led pursuit involving U.S. naval assets and aerial surveillance.
“The action was taken in line with our commitment to combat transnational drug trafficking that threatens regional stability and American lives,” Hegseth said in a statement.
Officials noted that several crew members were rescued from the damaged vessel and are currently being questioned by U.S. authorities. Preliminary reports indicate that a large quantity of drugs — believed to be cocaine — was recovered from the wreckage.
The Pentagon emphasized that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt organized crime networks operating across the Pacific and Latin American regions.
Analysts say the strike highlights Washington’s growing use of military intelligence and precision targeting in the fight against global narcotics trafficking.
