Three individuals lost their lives in a US military operation targeting an alleged drug vessel in the Caribbean. The strike, carried out by the US military, was directed at a vessel operated by a US-designated terrorist organization, according to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This incident marks the 15th such operation in the Caribbean or eastern Pacific since September. The vessel was reportedly involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics, as confirmed by intelligence sources. The US military has now resulted in the deaths of at least 64 people in these strikes. President Trump has justified the attacks as a necessary measure to curb drug influx into the US, framing it as an 'armed conflict' with drug cartels, akin to the legal authority used post-9/11. However, US lawmakers have been denied access to crucial details, including the legal basis for the strikes and the specific cartels and individuals targeted. Hegseth's statement emphasizes the threat of 'narco-terrorists' and promises a harsh response, mirroring the treatment of Al-Qaeda. Senate Democrats have renewed their request for transparency, seeking legal opinions and a list of designated target groups. The administration's selective disclosure of information has sparked concerns, with some members excluded from crucial details.
