In a dramatic escalation of President Donald Trump’s maritime anti-cartel campaign, U.S. forces struck four boats in the Eastern Pacific, killing 14 people in a single day. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation, calling the vessels “known narco-trafficking boats” based on U.S. intelligence. Footage released by Hegseth showed fiery explosions at sea, and one survivor was rescued by Mexican authorities. The death toll from the campaign now stands at 57.
Despite the administration’s claims, no evidence has been presented linking all victims to cartel activity. Families insist some were fishermen, not traffickers, raising concerns about the legality of the strikes. Senator Rand Paul criticized the operation as “extrajudicial,” adding, “No one said their name, no one said what evidence, no one said whether they’re armed.”
Trump’s actions are also drawing criticism from his own party. Senator Mike Rounds stressed congressional oversight responsibilities, while Senator Thom Tillis warned against “ordering a kinetic strike” without due process. Senator Susan Collins called for a Senate resolution to clarify presidential authority, and Senator James Lankford demanded transparency, saying he would be “apoplectic” if similar actions occurred under President Biden.
The strikes come amid growing U.S. pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The administration has deployed a naval buildup off Venezuela’s coast, authorized CIA covert operations, and is reportedly considering land strikes. Critics say these moves echo past U.S. interventions, though Trump denies seeking regime change.
