Hegseth Reports U.S. Sinking Another Narco Boat Amid Controversy

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed Thursday evening that the United States carried out another strike on a suspected narcotics boat in the Eastern Pacific. This announcement follows intense scrutiny over a previous September 2 strike in the Caribbean, which resulted in a double tap attack that killed survivors from an initial assault. The earlier incident has raised legal and ethical questions, with some observers suggesting it could constitute a war crime.

In response to public support from Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for the conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA, Hegseth remarked on social media: Your wish is our command, Andrew. Just sunk another narco boat.

The U.S. Southern Command confirmed that the latest operation, reportedly the 22nd such strike in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, killed four individuals. A statement said, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in international waters operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics along a known trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific. Four male narco-terrorists aboard were killed.

Since the initial Caribbean strike in September, the Trump Administration has maintained that these military actions are necessary to disrupt the flow of drugs into the U.S. While no public evidence has yet been released, officials reportedly confirmed the vessels were carrying narcotics.

Hegseth has faced bipartisan calls for investigation following reports that he issued a broad directive during the September 2 strike. Both Hegseth and Adm. Frank Bradley, the Navy SEAL commander leading U.S. Special Operations Command, have denied authorizing attacks targeting all personnel aboard the vessel.

Responses in Congress were mixed. Republican Sen. Tom Cotton praised the strikes as lawful and justified, while Democratic Sen. Jack Reed expressed deep concern, demanding full disclosure of unedited footage and documents related to the operation.

The U.S. military has deployed ships, fighter jets, marines, drones, and intelligence assets across the Caribbean over the past three months. The Navys top aircraft carrier is also stationed in the region. Trump has indicated that future operations may expand to land-based strikes against Venezuelan drug targets.

Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro, in response, has vowed to defend the nation against U.S. attacks, emphasizing readiness to protect the country from external aggression. The U.S. government does not recognize Maduros legitimacy, as he continues his presidency amid disputed elections.

Author: Aiden Foster