US carries out more 'lethal' strikes on alleged drug boats in international waters, Secretary Hegseth says

War Secretary Pete Hegseth says U.S. airstrikes on two alleged drug vessels killed six drug traffickers on Monday.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced two additional airstrikes against alleged drug smuggling vessels in international waters on Monday. (X, @secwar)

The Trump administration has created a new counter-narcotics Joint Task Force operating near the U.S. Southern Command in an effort "to crush the cartels, stop the poison, and keep America safe."

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The U.S. killed six alleged drug traffickers on a boat in international waters near Venezuela, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (realDonaldTrump/Truth Social)

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The task force will coordinate air, maritime and special-operations missions across the region — marking the largest U.S. military effort in the Caribbean in decades.

This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/us-carries-out-more-lethal-strikes-alleged-drug-boats-international-waters-secretary-hegseth-says