Four people lost their lives after a United States strike hit a vessel suspected of transporting illegal drugs, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Friday. This marked the fourth similar occurrence in recent weeks. The incident unfolded in international waters close to Venezuela and fits into a broader campaign by the US targeting maritime narcotics shipments. US officials say these actions are intended to prevent illicit substances from reaching American territory.
Earlier this morning, on President Trump’s orders, I directed a lethal, kinetic strike on a narco-trafficking vessel affiliated with Designated Terrorist Organizations in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the pic.twitter.com/QpNPljFcGn
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 3, 2025
US President Donald Trump has declared that the United States is in “a non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels. This stance has shaped a series of strikes on vessels believed to be involved in drug smuggling.
On the social platform X, Hegseth stated that the most recent strike happened just outside Venezuela’s maritime boundary. According to authorities, these efforts are set to cut off drug flows destined for the United States.
MARITIME STRIKE LEGALITY AND ETHICAL QUESTIONS
The strategy of lethal strikes on suspected traffickers at sea, rather than capturing individuals and seizing cargo, has drawn legal scrutiny. The US has provided limited public details about the volume or nature of the narcotics allegedly on board.
Pete Hegseth, without offering supporting evidence, said intelligence “without a doubt” showed the vessel was carrying drugs and that the crew were “narco-terrorists.” He described the quantity as “substantial” but did not specify further.
The Pentagon Chief declared, “These strikes will continue until the attacks on the American people are over!!!!” underscoring the administration’s resolve. In a video lasting nearly 40 seconds, posted by Pete Hegseth, a vessel appears struck by several projectiles before an explosion occurs at sea.
The Venezuelan communications ministry has so far not responded to requests for comment. Ongoing questions around the legal and diplomatic consequences of such transnational military actions remain unresolved.
– Ends
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