US forces kill two in strike on alleged drug boat in the Pacific

October 23, 2025

The U.S. military has conducted two new strikes against suspected drug boats in the Pacific Ocean, killing five people total, as part of an escalating campaign against maritime drug trafficking. These operations represent the eighth and ninth U.S. strikes against alleged drug vessels since September 2, with most previous attacks occurring in the Caribbean Sea. President Trump has asserted his legal authority to target boats in international waters while suggesting he may seek Congressional approval for expanding operations to land targets.

Who is affected

Crews of the targeted vessels (five people killed in the latest strikes, at least 34 people killed overall)
Drug trafficking organizations operating in the Pacific and Caribbean
Survivors of previous strikes who were repatriated to Colombia and Ecuador
Countries along drug trafficking routes, particularly Colombia and Ecuador
U.S. military forces deployed for the operations (around 10,000 troops)
Colombian government and President Gustavo Petro

What action is being taken

U.S. forces are actively striking suspected drug vessels in international waters in both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
Approximately 10,000 U.S. troops, dozens of military aircraft and ships are currently deployed to the Caribbean as part of the operation
The Trump administration is classifying its operations as a "non-international armed conflict" with drug-trafficking organizations
President Trump is publicly criticizing Colombian President Petro and threatening action against Colombia

Why it matters

The U.S. is treating drug trafficking as a national security issue, with Defense Secretary Hegseth comparing cartels to Al Qaeda
These operations represent a significant escalation in U.S. counter-narcotics tactics, moving from interdiction to military strikes
Most cocaine bound for U.S. cities passes through the Pacific according to DEA estimates
The operations are straining diplomatic relations with Colombia, historically one of the U.S.'s closest Latin American allies
Trump has announced the U.S. will no longer offer subsidies to Colombia
The strikes have killed at least 34 people, raising concerns about proportionality and legal justification

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC