The United States military has carried out another deadly strike on a vessel it alleges was involved in drug trafficking, killing two individuals described as 'narco-terrorists'. This marks a significant escalation in a maritime campaign that has now seen 30 such attacks since September 2025.
Escalating Campaign in the Eastern Pacific
The latest incident occurred in the eastern Pacific Ocean, with the US releasing footage of the strike. According to official statements, the target was a boat suspected of transporting illicit narcotics. The two fatalities bring the total known death toll from these operations to 107 individuals.
This aggressive maritime strategy forms part of a broader pressure campaign against drug cartels and their networks. The operations are not isolated to international waters, as recent revelations indicate a potential expansion of tactics.
Land Strikes and Covert Operations in Venezuela
In a related development, President Donald Trump recently disclosed details of a potential land strike on an alleged drug facility inside Venezuela. Sources familiar with the operation suggest it was a CIA drone mission targeting a facility linked to the Tren de Aragua criminal gang.
Beyond kinetic strikes, the US administration has initiated other measures aimed at Venezuela. These include the seizure of sanctioned oil tankers off the Venezuelan coast and authorising covert CIA operations within the country's borders. The Venezuelan government has consistently denied the allegations of drug production and has condemned these US actions as violations of its sovereignty.
Controversy and Accusations of War Crimes
The intensifying campaign has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and some legal experts. Critics accuse the Trump administration of committing war crimes by targeting non-combatants under the guise of an armed conflict against drug trafficking organisations.
The US government, however, maintains a firm stance. Officials justify the strikes as lawful acts within an ongoing armed conflict against drug groups they have designated as terrorist organisations. They argue the operations are necessary to stem the flow of narcotics towards the United States and to dismantle the financial and operational networks of these cartels. The situation remains a flashpoint in international relations and the ongoing debate over the boundaries of counter-narcotics warfare.
