U.S. military reports strike on alleged drug-smuggling vessel in eastern Pacific
WASHINGTON — U.S. Southern Command said on Sunday that the U.S. military carried out a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific on Saturday, killing three people. The command posted the account on X, saying the action was directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Southern Command described the vessel as being “operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization” and said it was “trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific.” The command added that intelligence indicated the boat was transiting a known narco-trafficking route and carrying narcotics, and that the strike occurred in international waters.
Video released by Southern Command appears to show a large wave surge next to the boat before flames engulf the vessel. NBC News has not independently verified the military’s account, and the administration has not publicly produced evidence to substantiate claims about the ship or those aboard.
Officials say this marks at least the 21st such strike during President Donald Trump’s second term, part of a campaign of attacks in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that U.S. officials say have killed more than 75 people in total.
Political reaction and oversight questions
The strikes have provoked controversy in Congress. Critics, including Democrats and some Republicans, argue the administration’s actions are heavy-handed and may circumvent congressional authorization for the use of force. In October, the Senate rejected a resolution that would have required President Trump to obtain congressional approval for strikes in the Caribbean; senators also voted down a related resolution this month that would have required authorization for military action against Venezuela.
Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rand Paul of Kentucky joined Democrats in supporting measures that would require congressional approval. In October, Sen. Paul said on NBC News’ Meet the Press that the strikes “go against all of our tradition,” expressing concern that people could be killed without the administration publicly presenting evidence of wrongdoing.
Regional context
Sunday’s announcement came as the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in the Caribbean. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One the same day, President Trump said the U.S. “may be having some discussions with Maduro,” and suggested Venezuelan officials “would like to talk,” without providing details.
Also on Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles — which U.S. officials allege is run by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro — as a foreign terrorist organization, effective Nov. 24. Such a designation would bar members from entering the United States, permit seizure of organizational assets, and make it a crime to provide material support to the group.
Note: NBC News has not independently verified the military’s account and the administration has not publicly released supporting evidence about the vessel or those aboard. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
