US Forces Destroy Suspected Drug Trafficking Vessel in Caribbean, Four Confirmed Dead

US media reported that American forces recently destroyed a vessel suspected of being involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean, leading to the deaths of four individuals on board.

CBS News cited a US Department of Defense official stating that the operation took place on Monday, while The New York Times, referencing a different Pentagon source, indicated it occurred on Wednesday, creating some confusion regarding the timing of the operation.

Since early September, US forces in the Pacific and Caribbean have conducted targeted strikes against vessels that Washington claims are linked to drug trafficking organizations. However, several legal experts argue that these strikes may amount to "extrajudicial executions," even when targeting known drug traffickers.

Despite the criticism, the US appears determined to continue its operations. Recently, it has bolstered its military presence with the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford— the world’s largest aircraft carrier— in the region, which Venezuela has labeled an "imperial threat" to its government. Russia, a key ally of Caracas, has also condemned the US actions in the Caribbean.

On Thursday, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced via social media the launch of a new military operation targeting drug trafficking networks. He stated: "Today, I announce Operation Southern Lance... The goal of this mission is to defend our homeland and eliminate terrorist drug traffickers, protecting our people from the toxins that are killing our children."

Hegseth did not provide further details about the operation or how it differs from the ongoing attacks that have been conducted for weeks.