In the face of increasing criticism, U.S. sinks another suspected drug boat

The U.S. military carried out another strike against a suspected narcotics boat in the eastern Pacific on Thursday, as scrutiny intensifies over ongoing maritime operations ordered by the Trump administration.

According to U.S. Southern Command, the operation resulted in the deaths of four individuals and was executed under the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A 21second video released on X shows an overhead view of the vessel before it suddenly ignites.

Officials stated that the boat was transporting illegal drugs along a route known for cartel trafficking. Southern Command noted that the vessel was operating in international waters and was linked to a designated terrorist entity.

This latest strike marks the 22nd such action in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean since September, with more than 86 fatalities reported. The administration maintains that the measures are intended to prevent narcotics from reaching the United States and to target groups it defines as terrorist organizations.

Criticism has continued to escalate. Lawmakers in Washington have questioned the legality of employing deadly military force in cases tied to drug smuggling rather than imminent threats. International observers, including United Nations experts, have called the actions extrajudicial. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has gone further, accusing the administration of murder in connection with an earlier strike that killed a Colombian fisherman.

Several countries, including Colombia and Britain, have reportedly distanced themselves militarily and reduced intelligence cooperation with Washington due to the operations.

The latest strike occurred as Navy Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley faced questions from congressional members regarding a Sept. 2 incident that left 11 people dead. Reporting this week suggested a second strike was carried out against wounded survivors, raising concerns of possible violations of international law.

Despite mounting condemnation, administration officials have defended the campaign. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said Tuesday that each mission is executed to safeguard national security and remains within U.S. and international legal frameworks, adding that every destroyed vessel prevents thousands of American overdose deaths.

In reaction to public backlash, conservative commentator Andrew Kolvet wrote on X that continued strikes only strengthen his support for sinking narcotics vessels. Hegseth responded directly, stating that another suspected drug boat had already been eliminated.

Author: Sophia Brooks