US Military Sinks Another Boat, Killing Three in Ongoing 'Narco-Terrorist' Campaign

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday that the U.S. military successfully destroyed another alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of three "narco-terrorists."

Hegseth stated the vessel was operated by a designated terrorist organization and was eliminated in international waters. The specific terrorist group remains unidentified. No U.S. personnel were injured in the strike.

"As we've said before, vessel strikes on narco-terrorists will continue until their the poisoning of the American people stops," Hegseth posted on social platform X. He issued a stark warning: "To all narco-terrorists who threaten our homeland: if you want to stay alive, stop trafficking drugs. If you keep trafficking deadly drugs-we will kill you."

This latest incident brings the total number of U.S. strikes since the campaign began in early September to 17, with at least 70 people killed. The attacks have been carried out in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific.

The ongoing strikes have faced bipartisan criticism in Congress. Lawmakers have demanded more details from the administration regarding the targets, the legality of the operations, and the criteria for selecting vessels.

At least 13 briefings, including a classified session in the Senate led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hegseth, has been provided on the issue. However, these briefings have not fully satisfied concerns. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) remains worried, while Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, noted that while lawmakers received a general explanation of target selection, questions remain about the "precise structure."

Himes voiced particular concern about potential collateral damage: "What happens when there's somebody nearby who may be innocent? ... I'm not confident that we know precisely who are in those boats and why they're there."

Military Buildup and Venezuela Tensions

The boat strikes coincide with a significant U.S. military buildup in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, fueled by escalating tensions with Venezuela.

President Trump and other officials have repeatedly labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro an "illegitimate leader." Trump recently stated on "60 Minutes" that Maduro's "days are numbered," occasionally suggesting the possibility of conducting strikes inside Venezuela.

Earlier on Thursday, a Democratic-led effort to restrict this potential action failed. GOP senators blocked a war powers resolution, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), on a 51-49 vote. The resolution would have required congressional authorization before the President could conduct military strikes inside Venezuela.