On Thursday, War Secretary Pete Hegseth reported a significant victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The Department of War successfully targeted a drug trafficking vessel, resulting in the deaths of three individuals linked to narco-terrorism. To all narco-terrorists who threaten our homeland: if you want to stay alive, stop trafficking drugs. If you keep trafficking deadly drugs—we will kill you, Hegseth warned, delivering a clear and forceful message to South American cartels.
This strike marked the 17th operation against vessels affiliated with designated terrorist organizations since the Trump Administration initiated its campaign in September. With this latest action, the toll on narco-terrorists has risen to at least 69 fatalities. The strikes have taken place along key drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific, with the latest encounter culminating in a fiery explosion.
Hegseth announced the strike on X, articulating the administration’s commitment to combating the drug crisis. As weve said before, vessel strikes on narco-terrorists will continue until their poisoning of the American people stops, he emphasized. This statement underscores the administration’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks that pose a direct threat to American safety.
Hegseth’s announcement highlights a new chapter in the U.S. government’s approach to combating narcotics brought into the country. Today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization, he stated. The operation took place in international waters, ensuring that American forces remained out of harm’s way, while simultaneously delivering a decisive blow against organized drug crime. The fact that no U.S. personnel were harmed is a crucial detail that adds to the overall success of the operation.
The strikes come amid an increased military presence in the region, with an aircraft carrier recently deployed to bolster U.S. operations against these criminal enterprises. This escalation aligns with the administration’s broader objectives to safeguard American communities from the rampant drug trade that has devastated numerous lives.
Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape complicates these efforts, as reports suggest that Russian officials have considered supplying missiles to Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. This development introduces additional risks, as it could challenge U.S. operations and support for regime change in the region.
Ultimately, Hegseth’s firm stance and the operational successes reflect a broader commitment to combating narcotics and protecting American citizens. The Department of War’s ongoing campaign against narco-terrorists shows no signs of slowing down, as the administration vows to continue its relentless pursuit of those who engage in drug trafficking. As Hegseth firmly declared, If you keep trafficking deadly drugs—we will kill you.
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