Trump UNLEASHES WAR: 17 Strikes, 70 Dead

Man speaks at podium with U.S. flag background.

The United States has executed 17 lethal military strikes against suspected drug boats in just two months, marking the most aggressive anti-narcotics campaign in decades and killing at least 70 people in international waters.

Story Overview

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the 17th deadly strike on November 7, 2025, killing three suspected traffickers in Caribbean waters
The unprecedented campaign began September 2, 2025, representing the first publicly acknowledged US airstrikes in Central/South America since 1989
Operations target vessels in international waters, raising complex questions about legal jurisdiction and due process
Colombian authorities coordinated major seizures with France, capturing over seven tons of cocaine and arresting six individuals

A New War on Drugs Takes Flight

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement of the 17th lethal strike reveals how dramatically the Trump administration has escalated America’s war on drugs. The November 7 Caribbean operation eliminated three suspected narco-traffickers, continuing a campaign that has claimed at least 70 lives since September. This represents a fundamental shift from traditional interdiction methods to direct military engagement against suspected criminals.

The strikes occur in international waters across the Caribbean Sea, a critical transit zone for South American cocaine destined for US markets. Senate Republicans have been briefed on secret target lists, indicating extensive intelligence operations supporting these missions. The campaign specifically targets vessels linked to organizations like Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and other trafficking networks exploiting maritime smuggling routes.

Historical Precedent Shattered

These operations mark the first publicly acknowledged US airstrikes in Central or South America since the 1989 Panama invasion. Previous anti-narcotics efforts relied on cooperation with local law enforcement, intelligence sharing, and vessel interdiction. The shift to lethal military action represents an unprecedented escalation that abandons decades of diplomatic and law enforcement approaches.

Military veteran Luis Quiñonez noted that multiple warnings were issued before initial strikes, suggesting attempts to follow engagement protocols. However, the use of deadly force against suspected criminals in international waters raises significant legal questions. Traditional drug interdiction involves arrest, prosecution, and due process – not summary execution by missile strike.

Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Fallout

President Trump has publicly criticized Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of failing to stop drug production despite Colombia’s cooperation in recent operations. The November 8 cocaine seizure coordinated between Colombian and French authorities demonstrates continued international partnerships. However, the unilateral nature of US strikes creates diplomatic complications with regional allies.

Venezuela remains largely antagonistic toward US operations, while other Caribbean nations face pressure to support or condemn the strikes. The operations potentially strain relationships with countries that value sovereignty and international law. Maritime shipping and fishing industries throughout the region now operate under increased scrutiny and potential disruption from military operations.

Effectiveness Questions and Unintended Consequences

While these strikes disrupt specific drug shipments, they may simply redirect trafficking routes rather than eliminate the trade. Drug organizations adapt quickly, potentially moving operations to different areas or employing new tactics. The campaign’s long-term effectiveness remains unproven, while its immediate impact creates regional instability and legal precedent concerns.

The highly publicized nature of these operations serves political purposes, demonstrating the administration’s tough-on-crime stance. However, the lack of arrests, trials, and seizures of evidence means intelligence gathering opportunities are lost with each strike. The approach prioritizes immediate elimination over long-term investigation and prosecution of trafficking networks.