US Strikes Drug Boats, Kills 14

The United States military, under the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump, carried out three strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean against boats accused of carrying drugs, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor. These strikes mark an escalation in the pace of attacks that began in early September, with a total of 13 disclosed strikes resulting in at least 57 fatalities. The Trump administration justifies these actions by asserting an 'armed conflict' with drug cartels, drawing parallels to the war on terrorism. However, the administration has provided no evidence to support its claims about the boats or their connection to cartels. The strikes have strained diplomatic relations, particularly with Mexico, whose President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized the attacks, and Colombia, whose President Gustavo Petro and his family have been sanctioned by the US over drug trade accusations. There is also speculation that the campaign is aimed at ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who claims the US is 'fabricating' a war against him.