WASHINGTON, Oct 22 (DOJO) — The U.S. military has expanded its controversial campaign against alleged drug-smuggling vessels into the Pacific Ocean, marking the first strikes outside the Caribbean since the operation began in early September.
What Happened
According to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, two separate strikes in the eastern Pacific killed five people this week. No American personnel were injured.
“Narco-terrorists intending to bring poison to our shores will find no safe harbor anywhere in our hemisphere,” Hegseth said on X, comparing the attacks to the U.S. war on terror.
The vessels, described as known targets along “established trafficking routes,” were allegedly operated by designated terrorist organizations engaged in narcotics smuggling.
Trump Defends Expansion
President Donald Trump defended the new Pacific operations from the Oval Office, saying he has the legal authority to continue striking drug boats in international waters.
“We’re allowed to do that,” Trump said. “And if we do it by land, we may go back to Congress.”
The president also hinted at a possible escalation to land-based operations, calling the anti-drug campaign a “national security problem.”
Seated beside him, Secretary of State Marco Rubio added,
“If people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, stop sending drugs to the United States.”
Casualties Mount
The recent strikes bring the total number of suspected traffickers killed to at least 37, according to Pentagon officials. Earlier operations were concentrated in the Caribbean, where semi-submersible vessels and speedboats were targeted by U.S. forces.
A leaked memo sent to U.S. lawmakers revealed that the administration has legally classified its campaign as a “non-international armed conflict” with drug-trafficking organizations — effectively treating cartels as enemy combatants.
Tensions With Colombia Rise
Trump’s rhetoric has further strained relations with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, whom he recently labeled “a thug and a bad guy.”
“He better watch it or we’ll take very serious action against him and his country,” Trump said Wednesday.
The president also threatened to end subsidies to Colombia, long considered one of Washington’s closest Latin American allies.
Regional Impact
Experts say the Pacific corridor — stretching from Ecuador and Colombia up through Central America and Mexico — now carries the majority of cocaine bound for U.S. cities.
According to the DEA, Caribbean routes still account for a smaller share but are “rising rapidly.”
The Pentagon has deployed 10,000 U.S. troops and dozens of aircraft and naval assets to the Caribbean and Pacific as part of the ongoing operation.
