Background on the US Military Campaign Against Drug Trafficking
Since early September, under the command of Pete Hegseth, the head of the Pentagon, US military forces have been engaged in an anti-drug campaign in the Caribbean and Pacific. This operation, aimed at disrupting drug trafficking, has resulted in at least 95 deaths and the destruction of 26 vessels.
Recent Attacks in the Eastern Pacific
On Monday, the US military announced new attacks against three suspected drug-laden vessels in the eastern Pacific. These attacks left at least eight men dead.
According to the US Southern Command, intelligence confirmed that these vessels were operating along known drug trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific and were involved in narco-trafficking activities.
The Southern Command shared images and videos on social media showing three separate boats before they were targeted in the attacks. Three drug traffickers were killed in each vessel: two in the second and three in the third.
Military Deployment in the Caribbean
These operations have been accompanied by a significant US military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the world’s largest aircraft carrier and several warships.
Perspectives from Leaders
President Donald Trump maintains that the objective of these operations is to combat drug trafficking. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claims that these actions are a pretext for regime change in Caracas.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of these US military operations? The stated goal is to disrupt drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific.
- Who is leading these operations? Pete Hegseth, the head of the Pentagon, is in command of these military efforts.
- How many people have been killed so far? At least 95 individuals involved in drug trafficking have been killed since early September.
- What types of vessels have been destroyed? A total of 26 vessels suspected of drug trafficking have been destroyed.
- What is the response from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro? Maduro asserts that these operations are a cover for US-led regime change efforts in Venezuela.
The ongoing anti-drug campaign by the US military in the Caribbean and Pacific has resulted in significant casualties among drug traffickers and the destruction of numerous vessels. As tensions rise between the US and Venezuela, the true intentions and consequences of these operations remain a subject of debate.
