US forces hit three suspected drug ships in Pacific under new Trump order
oto: Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)
The US Armed Forces attacked three vessels that, according to the American military, were transporting drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Eight people were killed as a result of the strikes, according to the US Southern Command.
According to the command, the operations were carried out in international waters on the orders of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Three people were on the first vessel, two on the second, and three more on the third.
US officials say the actions are part of an intensified crackdown on drug cartels. Earlier, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing broader use of the armed forces in counternarcotics operations.
Against this backdrop, in late August, the United States deployed a naval task force to the waters off Venezuela, including a submarine and warships. The US defense secretary has also stated that American forces are prepared for various scenarios in the region, including operations involving Venezuela.
On the evening of December 10, 2025, several media outlets reported that US forces intercepted and took control of a sanctioned oil tanker near Venezuela’s coast.
Later that day, President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the seizure of the Venezuelan vessel and said new steps against Caracas were being prepared in the near future.
Trump then went even further, threatening Colombia with the possibility of a military operation. He hinted at expanding military action beyond Venezuela and warned of potential consequences for the country.
These statements sparked a sharp reaction in the US Congress. Senators and members of the House expressed serious concern and outrage, saying they had not been informed in advance about the White House’s plans.
