US Military Eliminates 14 in Pacific Ocean Anti-Drug Operations, Raising Regional Tensions

Regional tensions have escalated following these military operations. (Representational)

United States:

US military forces have eliminated 14 individuals during operations that destroyed four suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Tuesday announcement. This brings the total fatality count from Washington's ongoing anti-narcotics campaign to at least 57.

The United States initiated these controversial strikes in early September, with experts questioning their legality. To date, US forces have destroyed at least 14 vessels across both the Caribbean and Pacific regions.

"A total of 14 narco-terrorists were killed during the three strikes, with one survivor. All strikes were conducted in international waters with no US forces harmed," Hegseth stated in a post on X regarding operations carried out the previous day.

"The four vessels were identified by our intelligence apparatus, traveling along known narco-trafficking routes, and transporting narcotics," he explained.

The Pentagon chief shared video footage of the operations, showing the first strike targeting two stationary boats that appeared to be moored together, while subsequent strikes hit vessels that were moving rapidly across open water.

Hegseth indicated that US Southern Command "immediately" launched search efforts for the sole survivor of these strikes, and that Mexican authorities "accepted the case and assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue."

No specific information was provided regarding the survivor's current status or whether they were successfully located.

"We will track them, we will network them, and then, we will hunt and kill them," Hegseth declared regarding drug traffickers.

Washington has implemented a substantial military buildup in Latin America, purportedly targeting drug trafficking networks. This deployment includes seven US Navy warships, F-35 stealth warplanes, and the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the region.

These military strikes and the increased US military presence have intensified regional tensions, with Venezuela accusing the United States of plotting to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro, who has claimed Washington is "fabricating a war."