Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a Mexican Border Defense Medal presentation in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP
hide caption
toggle caption
Alex Brandon/AP
WASHINGTON — The U.S. military reported Monday that it carried out strikes on three boats suspected of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. The boat strikes are under increased scrutiny in Congress as questions arise about the justification and impact of these actions.
The military stated on social media that the strikes were aimed at “designated terrorist organizations,” resulting in three casualties in the first boat, two in the second, and three in the third. While evidence of drug trafficking was not provided, a video of a boat exploding after being struck was shared.
President Donald Trump defended the attacks as necessary to combat drug flow into the U.S. and claimed an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. However, lawmakers are increasingly questioning the administration’s approach, with at least 95 individuals killed in 25 known strikes since September, including a controversial follow-up strike on survivors.
These recent strikes coincide with upcoming briefings on Capitol Hill for members of Congress, where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials will provide closed-door updates on the military campaign.
The military actions have heightened pressure on Venezuelan President NicolĂ¡s Maduro, who faces U.S. charges of narcoterrorism. The U.S. recently seized an oil tanker accused of smuggling illicit crude, leading to further tensions. Maduro alleges the operations are aimed at ousting him from power.
The U.S. military has increased its presence in the region and launched strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, with plans for land attacks in the future. President Trump’s administration faces mounting criticism over the campaign’s tactics and consequences.
