US carries out another strike against an alleged drug vessel

Original story by: ABC News Last updated: Oct 22, 2025

Context: The U.S. military conducted another airstrike on an alleged drug cartel vessel in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday night. This marks the eighth such strike since early September, with a total of at least 34 individuals believed to have been killed across all incidents.
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Detailed Summary:
- On Tuesday night, a U.S. military airstrike targeted a vessel in the Pacific Ocean, believed to be associated with a drug cartel.
- This strike, occurring west of Central America, resulted in no survivors, with an estimated two to three individuals killed.
- It is the eighth confirmed U.S. airstrike against alleged drug boats since the beginning of September. The previous seven strikes took place in the Caribbean Sea.
- Collectively, these strikes are believed to have resulted in the deaths of at least 34 people.
- This use of lethal military force is noted as unprecedented, raising legal questions, as past administrations typically relied on law enforcement for drug interdiction.
- The Trump administration has defended these strikes, framing them as part of a "war" against cartels, with President Trump stating that military missiles are faster than the speedboats used by these groups.
- Previously, two individuals survived a U.S. strike on a semi-submersible vessel in the Caribbean, and President Trump indicated they would be repatriated to their home countries.