U.S. says 2 strikes on alleged drug boats killed 5 in eastern Pacific

Saturday, December 20, 2025 -The U.S. military reported that two strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific resulted in five confirmed deaths. 

According to officials, the operations targeted boats believed to be carrying large quantities of illegal narcotics, part of ongoing efforts to disrupt transnational smuggling routes. Authorities say the strikes were coordinated with regional partners to limit civilian risk while enforcing maritime security.

The incidents highlight the continued focus of U.S. operations in international waters off Central and South America, where drug trafficking poses threats to regional stability and domestic public safety. 

Military sources emphasized that intelligence played a key role in identifying the vessels, noting that these operations aim to prevent illicit drugs from reaching U.S. and international markets.

Analysts warn that such actions could escalate tensions with traffickers, potentially leading to more confrontations at sea. At the same time, U.S. officials stress that these strikes are part of a broader strategy combining surveillance, interdiction, and cooperation with partner nations. 

The strikes underscore Washington’s commitment to tackling drug networks before narcotics reach shorelines, aiming to curb the flow of illegal substances in the hemisphere.