US military killed 14 individuals on four suspected drug ships in Pacific Ocean, says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday. The attacks were carried out on Monday at the direction of President Donald Trump, representing another move in the anti-drug campaign by the administration. A single person was saved by Mexican search and rescue units.
Hegseth explained that the four ships were on established drug-smuggling routes and were transporting illegal narcotics. Eight individuals were killed in the initial attack, and four and three were killed in the next two attacks. Footage published by the Defense Department depicts several ships exploding in flames following American missile strikes.
Death Toll Rises to 57 Individuals
At least 57 individuals have been killed in these attacks since the campaign started. The majority of the attacks have occurred off the coast of South America in the Caribbean, but recently operations have been extended to the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific actually is a much larger drug trafficking route than the Caribbean, and that is why military operations are shifting in that direction.
The attacks have posed severe diplomatic issues for the United States. Colombia and Venezuela have criticized the attacks, with Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo stating last week that the attacks are “disproportionate and outside international law.” He stated that individuals on the boats had no means of defense and were killed without legal process or court order.
Legal Questions and International Tensions
International law scholars have questioned the legality of the strikes, and Congress members from both sides are wondering if Trump has the power to authorize them. The president maintains that he has a right under the law to bomb ships in international waters but hinted last week that he may seek Congress’ approval if the campaign includes targets on land. Trump claimed he’s “completely prepared” to attack land targets, a significant increase in intensity.
The relations are growing tense with Colombia and Venezuela. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro for allegedly allowing drug cartels to operate at will. In the Caribbean, America sent troops, planes and warships including the world’s biggest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford. Trump blamed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for operating a drug trafficking cartel, something Maduro denies. Venezuela’s attorney general explained to the BBC that there’s “no doubt” that Trump is seeking to topple their government and take the nation’s oil, gold and copper. U.S. attacks kill 14 individuals as the drug boat campaign continues to attract international condemnation.
News At Glance
- U.S. military airstrikes killed 14 individuals on four suspected drug boats in Pacific Ocean Monday
- One surviving hostage freed by Mexican forces, campaign death toll increases to 57 individuals
- Defense Secretary Hegseth stated ships were on established drug trafficking routes with narcotics aboard
- Venezuela and Colombia denounce attack as illegal and disproportionate
- Trump indicates he will consider Congressional authorization if campaign is taken to land targets
FAQs
Q: Total number of individuals killed in these attacks?
A: At least 57 have been killed since the U.S. began this campaign against suspected drug boats. Monday’s strikes killed 14 more individuals, with only one survivor.
Q: Where are these strikes taking place?
A: The majority of strikes have taken place in the Caribbean off South America’s coast, but recently the U.S. has opened up the Pacific Ocean to operations. At least four strikes have occurred in the Pacific, which is a wider drug trafficking route.
Q: Are these legal?
A: Foreign governments and international law specialists question the legality. Colombia’s deputy foreign minister explained that the strikes are beyond international law since individuals have no opportunity to defend themselves and no judicial process is carried out before attacking them.
Q: What does Trump say about widening the strikes?
A: Trump asserts he has a legal right to bomb boats in international waters. He indicated he’s “totally prepared” to attack targets on land but indicated he might have to get Congressional approval if the operation extends beyond boats.
Q: Why are Venezuela and Colombia angry?
A: Both nations claim the attacks are against international law. Venezuela is concerned the U.S. military deployment is to top President Maduro. The U.S. sanctioned Colombia’s president on claims of letting drug cartels thrive.
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