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

Oct 28, 2025 11:25 pm CST

US forces have killed 14 people in strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, bringing the death toll from Washington's controversial anti-narcotics campaign to at least 57. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared that all operations occurred in international waters, with the military buildup in Latin America intensifying regional tensions, particularly with Venezuela.