U.S. Military Strikes Suspected Drug Vessel in Eastern Pacific, 2 Dead

The U.S. military carried out a targeted strike on a suspected drug smuggling vessel in international waters of the Eastern Pacific on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The operation, confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, followed intelligence indicating the vessel was actively transporting illicit narcotics along a well-known trafficking route.

Hegseth stated that the strike was based on verified intelligence showing the vessel’s involvement in large-scale drug smuggling operations. “The vessel was confirmed to be carrying narcotics and operating along established narco-trafficking routes,” he said.

The action reflects the U.S. military’s ongoing efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking and combat transnational criminal networks operating across the Pacific. Officials emphasized that the strike was carefully planned to target the vessel while minimizing risk to civilians and international maritime traffic.

This incident underscores the increasing focus on maritime security in the Eastern Pacific, a critical corridor for illicit drug transportation. U.S. authorities continue to monitor narcotics trafficking and have vowed to maintain a proactive stance against organized crime that threatens regional and global security.