US kills 14 in strikes on four alleged drug boats in Pacific

October 28, 2025

The United States military has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking by conducting strikes on vessels suspected of carrying narcotics in international waters, with the most recent attack on Monday killing 14 people across four boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims these vessels were identified through intelligence as traveling known drug routes, bringing the total death toll from such strikes to at least 57 people. The military operations, authorized by President Trump and occurring in both Pacific and Caribbean waters, have sparked international controversy and questions about their legality from experts, regional governments including Colombia and Venezuela, and members of the U.S. Congress from both parties.

Who is affected

57 people killed in total across multiple strikes (14 in the most recent Monday strikes)
One survivor from Monday's strikes rescued by Mexican authorities
Drug traffickers and suspected "narco-terrorists" on the targeted vessels
Colombian government and President Gustavo Petro (facing U.S. sanctions)
Venezuelan government and President Nicolas Maduro
Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo
Members of the U.S. Congress (both Democrats and Republicans)
International law experts

What action is being taken

U.S. forces are conducting military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Pacific and Caribbean
The U.S. has deployed troops, aircraft, and naval vessels to the Caribbean
The USS Gerald R Ford has been ordered to the Caribbean area
The U.S. has placed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro
Mexican search-and-rescue authorities are coordinating rescue efforts for the survivor

Why it matters

This represents a dramatic escalation in U.S. anti-drug trafficking strategy, marking a shift from defending other nations to what the Defense Secretary describes as defending the U.S. homeland. The campaign raises critical questions about international law, as experts and affected governments argue the strikes are disproportionate and occur without judicial process, with victims having no ability to defend themselves. The operations are intensifying diplomatic tensions with Colombia and Venezuela, with the latter fearing the military buildup signals an attempt at regime change, potentially setting a precedent for unilateral military action in international waters and risking broader regional conflict.

What's next

President Trump may seek Congressional approval if the campaign expands to include land-based targets
Trump has stated he is "totally prepared" to strike land-based targets, which would significantly escalate the campaign

Read full article from source: BBC