U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced via a post on X, a U.S.-based social media platform, that two ships operated by individuals on the U.S. terror list were targeted under President Trump’s orders. Hegseth stated the attacks occurred while the ships were reportedly on drug trafficking routes in the Pacific, resulting in six deaths.

He added that three people were killed on each vessel and that no U.S. forces were harmed during the operation. According to Hegseth, intelligence indicated that the ships were carrying narcotics.

Trump’s Executive Order and Military Strategy

President Trump signed an executive order expanding the military’s role in combating Latin American drug cartels. As part of this strategy, the U.S. dispatched a naval force, including submarines and warships, to the waters off Venezuela in late August. Hegseth had previously stated that the military was prepared for operations in Venezuela, including potential regime change.

International Debate and Criticism

Recent U.S. attacks on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, targeting individuals suspected of drug trafficking, have sparked international debate over “extrajudicial killings.” Experts warn that such operations raise serious questions under international law and could heighten diplomatic tensions.