U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported on Sunday that U.S. forces attacked a drug-smuggling vessel off the coast of an undisclosed location, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. According to Hegseth, the vessel was linked to a Colombian guerrilla group and was involved in illicit narcotics trafficking.
The attack, which took place on Friday, targeted a vessel that had been tracked by U.S. intelligence as it navigated along a known narco-trafficking route. The boat was suspected of carrying a significant amount of illegal drugs, making it a priority for interception.
Hegseth emphasized that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug smuggling networks operating in the region, particularly those tied to organized criminal groups and guerrilla factions. The specific guerrilla group behind the smuggling operation was not identified, but such groups have long been known to fund their activities through the trafficking of narcotics.
The U.S. has ramped up efforts to combat narcotics trade and organized crime in the region, with military operations often targeting vessels engaged in smuggling activities. These operations have raised tensions with some of the groups involved, who are often linked to larger international criminal networks.
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