Pentagon Confirms First Pacific Strike in Escalating Campaign Against Drug Trafficking; Two Killed
October 22,2025,10:16 p.m. – The U.S. military has bombed a vessel suspected of carrying drugs in the Pacific Ocean, marking the first such strike in that region as part of a broader offensive against drug cartels. Two individuals were killed in the operation, according to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who has adopted the title of Secretary of War.
Hegseth announced the strike via X, stating the vessel operated on a known smuggling route and was carrying narcotics. He further likened drug cartels to the terrorist institution al-Qaeda, asserting they are “waging war on our border and our people.” No U.S. forces were harmed during the incident.
This attack represents the eighth U.S. military strike against boats allegedly involved in drug smuggling in recent weeks,with previous operations concentrated in the caribbean. Over 30 people have died in those Caribbean strikes. The current operation involves a significant U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, including guided-missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and approximately 6,500 soldiers.
The U.S. government’s actions have drawn criticism, especially regarding the lack of clarity surrounding the legal justification for the strikes. The United Nations has urged restraint.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly challenged the U.S., alleging that one previous attack resulted in the death of a fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, who Petro stated had no connection to drug trafficking. Petro has requested clarification from the U.S. government regarding the incident.
Recent reports indicate President Donald Trump has declared the United States to be in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, classifying suspected smugglers as “unlawful combatants” and designating certain cartels as terrorist organizations.
