U.S. Forces Destroy Suspected Drug Smuggling Vessel in Caribbean, Resulting in Four Deaths

U.S. media reports indicate that American forces recently destroyed a vessel suspected of being involved in drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of four individuals on board.

CBS News cited a U.S. Defense Department official stating that the operation occurred on Monday, while the New York Times reported, referencing another Pentagon official, that the incident took place on Wednesday, highlighting discrepancies in the timeline of the operation.

Since early September, U.S. forces in the Pacific and Caribbean regions have been conducting strikes against vessels that Washington claims are linked to drug trafficking cartels. However, several legal experts argue that these attacks may constitute "extrajudicial killings," even if they target known traffickers.

Despite criticism, the U.S. appears committed to continuing its operations. Recently, military presence was bolstered with the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford—the largest aircraft carrier in the world—prompting Venezuela to label it an "imperialist threat" against its government. Russia, a key ally of Venezuela, has also condemned U.S. strikes in the Caribbean.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced via social media the initiation of a new military operation targeting drug trafficking networks. He stated, "Today, I announce Operation Lance Sud... The objective of this mission is to defend our homeland, eliminate terrorist drug traffickers, and protect our people from the poisons that are killing our children."

Hegseth did not provide further details about the operation or how it differs from previous attacks initiated weeks prior.