U.S. military operations targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels in the Eastern Pacific significantly intensified Monday, as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that three separate strikes were carried out, resulting in 14 fatalities and a single survivor.
The announcement, made by Secretary Hegseth on social media Tuesday, signals a major acceleration in the pace of the strikes.
The operations began in early September with attacks spaced weeks apart, but Monday marked the first time multiple strikes were announced in a single day.
WATCH:
Details of the Strikes
Hegseth posted video footage of the operations, providing a glimpse into the action:
- Strike One & Two: The footage showed two boats moving rapidly through the water. One vessel was clearly loaded with a large quantity of parcels or bundles, suggesting a significant narcotics cargo. Both boats suddenly exploded and were engulfed in flames.
- Strike Three: The third strike appeared to target a pair of boats that were stationary and positioned alongside each other. These vessels seemed largely empty, though at least two people were visible moving aboard just moments before an explosion consumed both.
In total, these three actions resulted in the destruction of five vessels and the loss of 14 lives.
Survivor and International Coordination
The sole survivor from Monday’s operations was taken into custody by Mexican authorities. Secretary Hegseth stated that Mexican search and rescue authorities “assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue,” but did not specify whether the individual would remain in their custody or be transferred to the United States.
This contrasts with an earlier strike in October, which had two survivors. In that instance, the U.S. military rescued the pair and later repatriated them to their home countries of Colombia and Ecuador.
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