Washington: The US executed targeted strikes on four vessels allegedly engaged in drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals, as announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday. The operations were carried out on Monday following directives from President Trump.

According to Anadolu Agency, Hegseth detailed that the strikes targeted vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations (DTOs) and were executed based on intelligence reports. These vessels were reportedly traversing recognized smuggling routes and were laden with narcotics. The engagement resulted in the destruction of the vessels, with eight men aboard the first vessel, four on the second, and three on the third. A total of 14 individuals were killed, with one surviving the strikes. Hegseth emphasized that all operations occurred in international waters without any harm to US forces.

Following the incident, the US Southern Command initiated standard search-and-rescue (SAR) protocols. Responsibility for coordinating the rescue of the lone survivor was subsequently assumed by Mexican SAR authorities.

Hegseth underscored the shift in defense strategy, with the US focusing on domestic protection. He highlighted the threat posed by these narco-terrorists, comparing their impact to that of Al-Qaeda, and affirmed a commitment to pursue and neutralize such threats. The strikes are part of the broader Trump administration’s campaign against ‘narco-terrorism,’ reflecting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking operations.