U.S. Completes Strikes on Suspected Narcotic Vessels in Pacific, Resulting in 14 Fatalities and One Survivor

/ CBS News

On Monday, the U.S. military engaged in operations against four more boats suspected of drug trafficking involving the eastern Pacific, resulting in 14 fatalities and leaving a single survivor, as announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

According to Hegseth, these operations took place in a series of three attacks, increasing the overall death tally of the Trump administration's offensive against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific to over 50.

Hegseth stated, "Our intelligence identified the four boats as following established drug trafficking routes and carrying narcotics. During the first strike, eight male suspects were aboard; during the second, four; and during the third, three. This series of strikes led to the demise of 14 suspects with one individual surviving. All instances occurred in international waters without any harm to American personnel."

He further mentioned, "These narco-terrorists have claimed more American lives than Al-Qaeda, hence we are engaging them in a similar fashion. We will identify them, disrupt their networks, and eliminate them."

Currently on a diplomatic tour across Asia, the president indicated that while details regarding the strikes will be shared with Congress, there will be no request for a formal war declaration.

He remarked, "Our focus is on eradicating those involved in drug smuggling into our nation. Simply put, we will neutralize them." He made these comments last week.

Additionally, Mr. Trump hinted at the possibility of future ground operations in Venezuela, amid rising tensions between the two nations.

Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky criticized the military actions against the boats as "extrajudicial killings." He mentioned on "Fox News Sunday" that Congress has not received any briefings on the administration's ongoing strike campaign.