In a decisive move against drug trafficking networks, the United States has carried out three targeted strikes in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals allegedly involved in narcotics operations. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the strikes were executed under the directives of President Donald Trump. The operation, conducted on October 27, targeted four vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organisations (DTOs) known for trafficking narcotics. Hegseth detailed that the vessels were identified by US intelligence and were traversing established drug smuggling routes. The strikes, which occurred in international waters, resulted in no harm to US forces. Hegseth also noted that the US Southern Command initiated search-and-rescue protocols, with Mexican authorities taking over the coordination. He underscored the US commitment to combating narco-terrorism, stating that these groups have caused more American deaths than Al-Qaeda and will be treated with the same severity. ‘We will track them, network them, and then hunt and kill them,’ Hegseth declared.