News|Donald TrumpUS conducts eighth strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat in the PacificTwo people were killed in the strike, which was the first to take place in the Pacific, signalling an expansion of Donald Trump’s military campaign.
## US Conducts Eighth Maritime Strike Against Alleged Drug Traffickers
US Conducts Eighth Maritime Strike Against Alleged Drug Traffickers
On Wed, Oct 22, 2025, the United States executed an eighth military operation targeting a vessel suspected of narcotics trafficking in international waters, resulting in the death of two individuals. This marks the first instance of such an operation occurring in the Pacific Ocean, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Defense Secretary Hegseth stated, "Yesterday, under President Trump's directive, the Department of War carried out a kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization involved in narco-trafficking in the Eastern Pacific." The operation reportedly neutralized two individuals aboard the vessel.
President Donald Trump addressed the strike during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, asserting his authority to conduct missile operations in international waters. Although the US Constitution reserves military action authorization for Congress, Trump claimed his role as commander-in-chief allows him to address terrorist threats, including drug traffickers, without Congressional approval for maritime operations.
Critics have questioned the legality of these operations, suggesting they may violate US and international laws prohibiting extrajudicial killings outside combat zones. The United Nations experts have criticized the operations as inconsistent with the UN Charter, asserting they do not qualify as self-defense under international law.
This marks the first instance of such an operation occurring in the Pacific Ocean, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The campaign commenced on Sep 2, 2025, with an airstrike in international waters, killing eleven unidentified individuals. Subsequent strikes on Sep 15, Sep 19, Oct 3, and Oct 14 resulted in additional casualties. A notable operation on Oct 16 involved a submarine, resulting in two fatalities and two survivors, who were repatriated to Colombia and Ecuador.
A seventh strike on Oct 17 targeted individuals identified as members of Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN). The most recent strike reportedly occurred near the Colombian coastline on the Pacific side.
The series of operations has heightened tensions between the US and South American leaders, particularly Colombia's President Gustavo Petro and Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela has appealed to the international community to halt the operations, citing potential violations of international law.
President Trump continues to assert the threat posed by Latin American drug cartels, although recent US intelligence reports have not substantiated claims of direct involvement by Venezuelan leadership in these activities.
Colombian President Petro has publicly criticized the US operations, disputing claims that victims were involved in drug trafficking and accusing the US of infringing upon Colombian sovereignty.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.