The US military has executed three targeted strikes on four vessels in the eastern Pacific, reportedly used for narcotics trafficking, resulting in 14 fatalities and one survivor. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the operations, stating they were conducted under President Trump’s directive. The vessels, operated by groups labeled as Designated Terrorist Organizations (DTOs), were intercepted along known drug trafficking routes. Intelligence indicated the boats were carrying narcotics. The strikes occurred in international waters, with no US personnel harmed. US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) initiated search-and-rescue protocols for the survivor, with Mexican authorities coordinating the rescue. Hegseth emphasized the strikes as part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking networks, equating these groups to terrorist organizations like al-Qaida. He vowed to track, network, and eliminate such threats. The operations mark a significant escalation in US military action against transnational criminal groups, raising legal and ethical questions about the use of lethal force outside declared war zones. Concerns have also emerged regarding regional implications, particularly with Mexico’s involvement in the rescue. Pentagon publications and social media have shared visuals of the strikes, reinforcing claims of the vessels’ ties to DTOs. The administration asserts these intelligence-driven operations aim to disrupt organizations linked to rising narcotics-related deaths in the US. Reactions from other governments and international bodies remain pending, with analysts awaiting further details and independent verification.
分类： world
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Melissa makes landfall in southwestern Jamaica with winds of 185 mph
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin, has made a devastating landfall in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope. With maximum sustained winds reaching an unprecedented 185 mph (295 km/h) and a central pressure plummeting to 892 mb (26.34 inches), the hurricane has created an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Authorities have issued urgent warnings for residents to remain sheltered as the eye of the storm passes, emphasizing that winds will intensify rapidly once the eye moves on. The safest measures include staying in an interior room without windows, avoiding areas prone to falling trees, and using mattresses or helmets for additional protection. The storm’s current location is approximately 25 miles southeast of Negril, Jamaica, and 145 miles south of Guantanamo, Cuba, moving north-northeast at 9 mph (15 km/h). The next update will be provided at 2:00 PM EDT (18:00 UTC).
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Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica as Historic Category 5 Storm
On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa, a historic Category 5 storm, made landfall in Jamaica with sustained winds reaching 185 mph, marking one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. The National Hurricane Center confirmed the storm’s intensity, issuing urgent warnings of catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surges, and severe flooding. The United Nations described Melissa as “the storm of the century,” emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the disaster for Jamaica, which had never before faced a direct hit from a Category 5 hurricane.
Tragically, at least seven hurricane-related fatalities have been reported across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica during storm preparations, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. In Haiti, thousands of individuals already displaced by gang violence are now confronting flooded makeshift shelters, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
As Melissa continues its destructive path, Cuba is next in line to face the storm’s wrath, with severe weather conditions expected to impact the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Bahamian authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in low-lying areas, cautioning that emergency assistance will be unavailable until the storm passes. The Disaster Risk Management Authority warned of imminent hurricane conditions, including dangerous storm surges and torrential rainfall, expected to hit the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos by Wednesday.
The Caribbean region braces for further devastation as Hurricane Melissa underscores the escalating threat of extreme weather events in the era of climate change.
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Melissa: 5th most powerful Atlantic hurricane recorded, 3 dead, 13 injured in JA preparations
Hurricane Melissa has emerged as one of the most formidable storms in Atlantic history, now ranked as the fifth most powerful on record. According to The New York Times, the hurricane is approaching landfall as a Category 5 storm, boasting sustained winds of 185 miles per hour—merely five miles shy of the record set by Hurricane Allen in 1980. This unprecedented intensity has triggered flash flooding and storm surges, prompting urgent warnings from officials. Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s disaster response coordinator, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘Jamaica, this is not the time to be brave. Don’t bet against Melissa. It is a bet we can’t win.’ The hurricane’s eye wall, with its ferocious winds, poses a severe threat, potentially causing ‘total structural failure’ and widespread power and communication outages, as reported by the hurricane center on Monday. Tragically, at least three fatalities and thirteen injuries have already been linked to storm preparations. The Jamaica Observer noted that two deaths resulted from falling trees, while one individual was electrocuted. Injuries were primarily caused by accidental falls from ladders and roofs during preparation efforts. Fueled by the unusually warm Caribbean waters, Melissa is expected to maintain its destructive force as it moves through the region. Meanwhile, the World Food Program has pre-positioned 450 metric tons of food in Haiti, a significantly reduced stockpile due to donor focus shifting to crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
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“All Hands on Deck” Effort as Jamaica Braces for Category 5 Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica is in a state of high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds surpassing 170 mph, nears the island. The hurricane, now the most powerful storm globally this year, is expected to make landfall this afternoon, bringing catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and landslides. Authorities and residents are working tirelessly to prepare for the impending disaster, with a collective effort to ensure safety and minimize damage. Amoy Harriott, a Jamaican reporter, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that three fatalities and 13 injuries have already occurred due to storm-related incidents. Over 200,000 residents are currently without power, and shelters are rapidly filling up. Agencies such as the Jamaica Public Service Company and the National Works Agency are actively working to restore services and mitigate further disruptions. Harriott highlighted the increasing severity of the situation, with flooding and landslides already affecting parts of the island. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings, comparing the potential impact to that of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Hurricane Melissa is also expected to affect Cuba and other Caribbean regions, including the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Montego Bay wakes up to destruction after Hurricane Melissa
Montego Bay, St James, Jamaica, awoke to a scene of widespread destruction on Wednesday as the full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s impact became apparent. The storm, which battered the city throughout Tuesday, left a trail of devastation, with roofs torn off buildings and debris scattered across roadways. The Catherine Hall and West Green communities were particularly hard-hit, experiencing severe flooding and significant silt accumulation. The Sangster International Airport also sustained substantial damage, especially in its departure area, disrupting travel operations. Government buildings, including the St James Municipal Corporation, were not spared, with reports of shattered windows and structural harm. Authorities are still assessing the full scale of the damage, but the immediate aftermath paints a grim picture of the hurricane’s ferocity. Residents are now grappling with the challenges of recovery as they begin to rebuild their lives and communities.
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SpaceX and US partners help with Bahamas evacuations
In a coordinated effort to mitigate the impact of Hurricane Melissa, SpaceX has partnered with US and Bahamian organizations to evacuate more than 1,400 residents from the Southeast Bahamas. The hurricane, which has weakened from Category 5 to Category 4, has already caused significant devastation in western Jamaica, resulting in at least seven fatalities and widespread destruction. Flights operated yesterday transported evacuees from Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island to the safer location of New Providence. US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish emphasized the United States’ unwavering support for The Bahamas, particularly during crises, and commended SpaceX, the Love and Light Foundation, and other partners for their rapid response. Matt Wideman, founder of the Love and Light Foundation, highlighted the collaborative efforts of SpaceX, Christian airline Judah 1, the Bahamian government, and the US Embassy in organizing the evacuation. SpaceX initially provided logistical support, while Judah 1 secured a 150-seat MD-83 aircraft, and the Bahamian government deployed its own resources. Wideman praised the government’s swift action, underscoring its dedication to safeguarding lives. Judah 1, known for its disaster relief missions, contributed three aircraft and partnered with the government to share operational costs. Meanwhile, SpaceX has pledged 30 days of free Starlink service to ensure uninterrupted communication in affected areas. The company’s involvement follows a landmark agreement with The Bahamas earlier this year, allowing Falcon 9 rocket boosters to land off the Exumas. As the region braces for further impacts, post-storm relief efforts are already underway, with plans to deliver Starlink units and power supplies to Jamaica.
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King Charles says Hurricane Melissa damage ‘heartbreaking’
In a heartfelt social media statement on Wednesday, Britain’s King Charles III expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Caribbean, describing the destruction as a “heartbreaking” reminder of the urgent need to restore nature’s balance. The monarch, alongside Queen Camilla, conveyed their profound sadness at witnessing the devastation caused by the record-breaking storm in Jamaica and across the region.
Earlier in the day, the UK government pledged £2.5 million (US$3.3 million) in emergency funding to support relief efforts in the affected areas, which include Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the storm’s aftermath as “truly shocking,” emphasizing the scale of the disaster.
The emergency funds will be allocated for essential supplies such as shelter kits, water filters, and blankets, as well as initiatives to prevent injuries and disease outbreaks. Additionally, the UK Foreign Office has established a crisis center to offer consular assistance to British nationals in the region, while a Royal Navy ship stands ready to deliver humanitarian aid.
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday, unleashing winds of nearly 185 miles (300 kilometers) per hour, causing widespread devastation. The storm subsequently hit Cuba and Haiti, where it left 30 people dead or missing. King Charles III’s message underscored the growing imperative to address environmental imbalances to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the face of such disasters.
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‘No need to kill’: Port Royal fisherfolk concerned over US attacks in Caribbean Sea
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid the chaos of Hurricane Melissa’s landfall on Tuesday, the focus of Fishing Boat Captain Herbert Dowie from the coastal town of Port Royal was not on the storm, but on the controversial actions of US military forces in the Caribbean Sea. Dowie expressed deep concern over reports that US boats have attacked and killed dozens of individuals, allegedly suspected of drug trafficking. However, fears persist that innocent fishermen and others may have been tragically caught in the crossfire. The US government has defended its actions, claiming the targeted boats were transporting narcotics. Yet, Dowie and other locals view these operations as unlawful and reckless. “They shouldn’t be shooting down any vessel,” Dowie asserted, questioning why the US forces couldn’t use non-lethal methods to intercept and inspect the boats. Roy Brown, another Port Royal resident, echoed Dowie’s sentiments, accusing the US of exploiting its power in the region. Brown drew parallels between US President Trump and Russian President Putin, stating, “They are the same thing.” Over the past few months, US forces have reportedly killed at least 57 people in strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. These actions have sparked widespread condemnation both regionally and within the US, with lawmakers from both major political parties questioning the president’s authority to order such strikes.
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US says emergency teams ready for Hurricane Melissa
The United States has swiftly mobilized disaster relief teams to assist Caribbean nations grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that rescue and response teams, along with essential lifesaving supplies, are en route to affected areas. The US is coordinating closely with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and The Bahamas to address the widespread devastation caused by the hurricane. Notably, Rubio, a vocal critic of Cuba’s communist regime, did not mention any engagement with Havana. A State Department official revealed that dozens of US personnel, including teams from Los Angeles, Fairfax, Virginia, and a regional hub in Costa Rica, will be deployed to assist in rescue operations and damage assessment. This move follows the Trump administration’s earlier decision to significantly reduce US international aid by dismantling the US Agency for International Development. Despite skepticism about long-term assistance, both Rubio and former President Trump have emphasized the importance of targeted and immediate aid during crises. However, the ongoing US government shutdown has reportedly complicated relief efforts, though emergency workers have been granted expedited authorization to proceed.