Miami: The U.S. military has reportedly sunk another alleged drug vessel in international waters in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, as confirmed by the U.S. Southern Command. The incident underscores ongoing efforts by the U.S. to combat drug trafficking in the region.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the vessel was identified as being operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. U.S. intelligence verified that the boat was traveling along established narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was involved in drug trafficking activities. The U.S. Southern Command stated in a post on X that four male individuals, described as narco-terrorists, were killed in the operation, while no U.S. military personnel were harmed.

The operation was ordered by U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth, although no further evidence supporting the claims was provided. This action is part of a broader campaign by the Pentagon, which since early September has resulted in the sinking of over 26 alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean, leading to at least 99 fatalities.

Recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump have indicated a potential escalation, with plans for land strikes targeting drug traffickers in the Caribbean to commence soon. This development adds to the existing tension between the United States and Venezuela. The Trump administration recently seized an oil tanker near Venezuela's coast and imposed new sanctions on several Venezuelans and companies involved in oil shipping from the country.

The United States has sustained a significant military presence in the Caribbean for nearly four months, particularly near Venezuela's coast, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. However, Venezuela has criticized these actions, suggesting they are a guise for attempting to instigate regime change in Caracas.