US kills three in second strike on alleged drug boats in the Pacific

October 23, 2025

The US military has conducted two strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean suspected of drug smuggling, killing five people total, as part of an expanded campaign against maritime drug trafficking. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced these were the first such strikes in Pacific waters, vowing they would continue against what he termed "narco-terrorists. " Colombia has strongly condemned these actions near its coastline as "disproportionate and outside international law," while President Trump has claimed legal authority to continue bombing boats in international waters and suggested operations could potentially expand to land targets.

Who is affected

Drug smugglers and vessel occupants in the Pacific Ocean
Colombian and Ecuadorian nationals aboard the targeted vessels
The governments of Colombia and Ecuador
US military forces deployed for these operations
Indirectly, communities in the United States affected by drug trafficking

What action is being taken

US forces are conducting air strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean
Approximately 10,000 US troops, dozens of military aircraft, and ships are being deployed to the Caribbean as part of the operation
The US is expanding its anti-drug operations from the Caribbean into Pacific waters
Colombia is diplomatically protesting the US strikes as disproportionate and illegal

Why it matters

These operations represent an escalation in US tactics against maritime drug smuggling
The strikes have diplomatic implications, creating tension with Colombia and potentially other regional partners
The Pacific Ocean is a far greater drug trafficking route than the Caribbean, accounting for most cocaine bound for US cities according to DEA estimates
The strikes have resulted in at least 37 total deaths, raising international legal and humanitarian concerns
The operations may have additional geopolitical motivations beyond drug interdiction, potentially targeting Venezuela's Maduro government

What's next

President Trump has indicated his administration is "totally prepared" to expand anti-drug operations onto land targets
Trump suggested he may seek Congressional approval if he decides to expand operations to include land targets
Strikes will continue "day after day" according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Read full article from source: BBC