In a significant escalation of its anti-drug operations, the United States conducted a military strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation on Wednesday, marking the first such attack on a boat in the Pacific Ocean. The strike, which was carried out in international waters, brings the total number of similar operations to at least eight, with a death toll of at least 34. Hegseth described the targets as ‘narco-terrorists’ and emphasized that no US forces were harmed during the mission. The Trump administration has framed these actions as part of an ‘armed conflict’ with Latin American drug cartels, which it has designated as terrorist organizations. However, critics argue that the US has not provided concrete evidence to substantiate its claims, and legal experts contend that such summary killings are unlawful. The campaign has heightened tensions with regional allies, particularly Venezuela and Colombia, where US military presence has raised concerns about broader geopolitical motives. Colombia recently recalled its ambassador to the US following a public feud between President Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump over the latter’s aggressive anti-drug strategies. Despite these tensions, both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to combating drug trafficking.