US Military Targets Alleged Drug Boat in the Pacific

Thu Oct 23 2025 11:14:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Pentagon confirms another US strike on a vessel linked to drug trafficking, marking the eighth assault since September and signaling ongoing efforts against narcotics in international waters.

In a recent operation, the US military successfully struck a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, believed to transport drugs along known trafficking routes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the death of two individuals on board, while emphasizing US efforts to combat narcotics trafficking. This strike represents the first in the Pacific since September, amidst increasing tensions with Colombia over drug enforcement policies.

The Pentagon has confirmed that US forces have struck another vessel alleged to be carrying drugs in the Pacific Ocean. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that two individuals on board the vessel were killed, with no US forces suffering any injuries.

The vessel, previously known to US intelligence, was believed to be involved in drug trafficking along established routes in international waters. This recent strike marks the eighth US offensive against suspected drug boats since September 2, 2025.

Video footage showed a blue speedboat moving through the water before it was hit by US ordnance. Narco-terrorists intending to bring poison to our shores will find no safe harbour in our hemisphere, Hegseth stated on social media. He compared the fight against drug trafficking to combatting terror organizations, affirming that there would be no refuge or forgiveness - only justice.

US officials have highlighted the significant impact of their counter-narcotics operations, with at least 36 fatalities linked to strikes on suspected drug boats, including a recent incident involving a semi-submersible vessel in the Caribbean.

There have been reports of survivors from previous strikes, such as those last week who were repatriated to Colombia and Ecuador. However, Ecuador's government released one individual, stating there was no incriminating evidence against him.

The Trump administration has reiterated its stance that these strikes are necessary counter-narcotics measures against organizations labeled as terrorist groups. According to CBS, this recent strike occurred in international waters close to Colombia.

The backdrop of these operations includes rising tensions between the Trump administration and Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s government. President Trump labeled Petro as an illegal drug leader and announced a cessation of subsidies to Colombia, historically a close ally.

Drug trafficking organizations often use significant Pacific coastlines in Colombia and Ecuador to funnel drugs towards the United States through Central America and Mexico. Predominant estimates from the DEA suggest that most cocaine entering US cities transits via the Pacific.

While US military presence in the Caribbean has expanded, details remain sparse on those killed in the strikes or the affiliations of the drug-trafficking organizations involved. Approximately 10,000 US troops, along with numerous military aircraft and naval vessels, have been deployed as part of these ongoing operations.