US forces said to strike alleged drug boat in the Pacific - BBC
Original story by: BBC News
Last updated: Oct 22, 2025
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- Context: The US military has conducted another strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs, this time in the Pacific Ocean. This incident is the eighth such strike since September 2nd, marking the first in the Pacific and resulting in the deaths of two individuals on board. The US administration views these actions as necessary counter-narcotics measures.
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- Detailed Summary:
- The Pentagon confirmed a US strike on a vessel in the Pacific Ocean believed to be involved in drug trafficking, resulting in two fatalities on board.
- This strike is the eighth against suspected drug boats since September 2nd and the first to occur in the Pacific.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the vessel was known to US intelligence and operating along a known trafficking route in international waters.
- Hegseth characterized drug cartels as waging war on the US border and its people, vowing no safe harbor for "narco-terrorists."
- A leaked memo indicated the Trump administration determined it was involved in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug-trafficking organizations.
- At least 36 people have been killed in these US strikes, including a recent one in the Caribbean.
- Two survivors of a recent strike were repatriated to Colombia and Ecuador; Ecuador released one, identifying him as Andrés Fernando Tufiño, citing no evidence of wrongdoing.
- US President Donald Trump and officials have justified the strikes as essential to combatting drug trafficking organizations, some designated as terrorist groups.
- The strike reportedly occurred in international waters near Colombia.
- Tensions have risen between the Trump administration and the Colombian government, with Trump criticizing President Gustavo Petro and announcing the cessation of US subsidies to Colombia.
- Both Colombia and Ecuador have Pacific coastlines used for drug trafficking towards the US.
- US DEA estimates suggest most cocaine destined for the US passes through the Pacific.
- While drug seizures in the Caribbean, where most confirmed strikes have occurred, represent a smaller percentage, US officials note a rising trend.
- US officials have provided limited details on the identities of those killed or the specific drug trafficking organizations involved.
- Approximately 10,000 US troops, along with military aircraft and ships, have been deployed to the Caribbean as part of the operation.
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