05-11-2025

US Strikes Alleged Drug Boats in Pacific, Kills 66

Date: 05-11-2025
Sources: cbsnews.com: 1 | npr.org: 1 | straitstimes.com: 1 | theguardian.com: 1
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Source: straitstimes.com

Image content: The image shows a young girl with black hair, wearing a white dress adorned with pink flamingos, holding a pink stuffed animal. The scene is set on a brick sidewalk or pathway. This image appears to be unrelated to the news article about US military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Pacific Ocean. There are no visible news-worthy elements or context in the image that would link it to the article's topic. The image does not relate to news coverage of the US military strikes or drug trafficking. It is likely used for a different purpose or story.

Summary

The US has conducted multiple strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Pacific Ocean, killing at least 66 people, amid criticism from lawmakers and the UN human rights chief over the legality and transparency of the operations.

Key Points

  • The Trump administration has carried out 16 deadly strikes on alleged drug boats in the eastern Pacific, killing at least 66 people.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has justified the strikes, claiming the US is in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels.
  • Lawmakers and the UN human rights chief have questioned the legality of the strikes and called for more transparency.
  • The strikes are part of a broader US military buildup in the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier deployed to the Caribbean.

Articles in this Cluster

2 killed in latest U.S. strike on alleged drug boat in the Pacific, Hegseth says - CBS News

The US conducted a strike on an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people, as part of an effort to disrupt drug cartels. The strike was carried out at the direction of President Trump, who has been vocal in his criticism of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has reported over a dozen such strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing over 50 people. Some lawmakers have criticized the strikes, citing lack of evidence and need for congressional approval.
Entities: Pete Hegseth, President Trump, Eastern Pacific Ocean, Venezuela, Nicolás MaduroTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump administration announces 16th deadly strike on an alleged drug boat : NPR

The Trump administration announced its 16th deadly strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people and bringing the total death toll to at least 66. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth justified the strikes, claiming the US is in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels. The administration has faced criticism from lawmakers and the UN human rights chief, who have questioned the legality of the strikes and called for more transparency. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has been deployed to the Caribbean, joining a buildup of American military assets in the region. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of 'fabricating' a war against him.
Entities: Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump, United States, South America, eastern Pacific OceanTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump’s military ops in other countries test his Maga base | The Straits Times

US President Donald Trump's military operations in countries like Iran, Yemen, Venezuela, and Nigeria are testing the loyalty of his Make America Great Again (Maga) base. While the White House frames these actions as targeted operations to protect US interests, some mainstream Republicans and Trump's ardent supporters are criticizing the moves, fearing they contradict Trump's promise to end 'forever wars' and keep the US out of costly foreign entanglements. The tension highlights Trump's delicate balancing act between his 'peace through strength' foreign policy and maintaining the support of his Maga loyalists.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, Yemen, Venezuela, NigeriaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: analyze

Hegseth announces another deadly US strike on alleged drug boat | US military | The Guardian

The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, announced a deadly US strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people. This brings the total death toll to at least 66 people in 16 strikes under the Trump administration's campaign against drug cartels. The administration claims the boats are operated by foreign terror organizations, but has not provided evidence. The strike comes as the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier is deployed to the Caribbean, joining a buildup of American military presence in Latin America. Lawmakers are pressing for more information on the strikes and their legal justification.
Entities: Pete Hegseth, US, eastern Pacific Ocean, Donald Trump, South AmericaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform