Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced another strike on a suspected drug boat on Saturday that killed narcotics drug traffickers whom he compared to terrorists, Just the News reported. Hegseth posted a video of the strike, which he said was ordered by President Donald Trump and precipitated a strike this week, along with an official designation for such suspected criminals.
Hegseth took to X, formerly Twitter, to make the announcement. "Today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on another narco-trafficking vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) in the Caribbean," Hegseth wrote.
"This vessel—like EVERY OTHER—was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Three male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the strike, which was conducted in international waters. All three terrorists were killed, and no U.S. forces were harmed in this strike. These narco-terrorists are bringing drugs to our shores to poison Americans at home—and they will not succeed. The Department will treat them EXACTLY how we treated Al-Qaeda. We will continue to track them, map them, hunt them, and kill them," Hegseth said.
Today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on another narco-trafficking vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) in the Caribbean.
This vessel—like EVERY OTHER—was known by our intelligence to be… pic.twitter.com/W7xqeMpSUi
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 2, 2025
According to CBS News, the Trump administration positioned the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group in the Caribbean to continue what it considers a vital mission. Saturday's move was the 15th such strike since September, but was by no means the last. These strikes are meant to stop the inflow of dangerous illicit drugs that kill Americans.
Of course, some members of Congress have slammed the president for not being more forthcoming about the strikes. On October 30, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia complained about not being informed as the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. Even some Republicans are beginning to question the intelligence that is being used to justify the strikes.
There has been little information given, including how it is that the administration knows the people on the boats are drug traffickers. Amid these questions, Hegseth announced yet another strike this week. Hegseth again said that it was "at the direction of President Trump" that the strike occurred after "intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics," Hegseth wrote.
"The strike was conducted in international waters in the Eastern Pacific. No U.S. forces were harmed in the strike, and two male narco-terrorists — who were aboard the vessel — were killed. We will find and terminate EVERY vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens. Protecting the homeland is our TOP priority. NO cartel terrorist stands a chance against the American military," the Secretary of War noted.
Today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO).
Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known… pic.twitter.com/OsQuHrYLMp
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 5, 2025
According to the New York Times, the Senate is expected to vote on a law that would bar Trump from making these unilateral military moves, including in Venezuela. Both parties believe that Trump is wrong to do so without consulting Congress or obtaining a vote.
The White House sent out a classified memo to Congress with information about the legal justification, but Democrats say that it falls short. "There’s nothing that was said that changed my mind that they are making illegal strikes," said Rep. Gregory W. Meeks of New York. The lawmaker is the leading Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Meanwhile, Warner continues to question the administration's source of authority to launch these strikes. "Even if at some point there was authority, how long does this last?" Warner asked.
"There is no legal basis in any legal opinion that we have been discussing that addresses Venezuela in any shape," he added. Meanwhile, Trump continues to say that these actions and has given conflicting remarks about possible military intervention in Venezuela, though moving the USS Gerald R. Ford into the area has brought some 5,000 military personnel.
Trump is doing his best to keep America safe and put the drug traffickers on the run with proactive strikes against their main transportation pipeline. Whether Democrats like it or not, it appears to be within his rights to do that without consulting them.
