US strikes on vessels in eastern Pacific kill 8

The United States military has confirmed that eight people were killed in three separate attacks on vessels in international waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, as Washington continues to expand its military presence in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In a statement posted on social media, US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said the “lethal kinetic strikes” were carried out on Monday at the direction of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. According to the statement, three people were killed on the first vessel, two on the second, and three on the third. The US military alleged, without presenting evidence, that those killed were linked to drug trafficking.

The latest strikes come days after US forces seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, amid rising tensions between Washington and Caracas. Since September, at least 90 people have been killed in similar US attacks on vessels in waters near Venezuela, actions that international law experts have criticised as potential extrajudicial killings.

US lawmakers have questioned Hegseth’s role in the operations, including reports that a second strike was ordered on a vessel in September after two survivors were left clinging to debris following an initial attack.

The Pentagon has significantly increased its military deployment in the region, including warships, a submarine, drones and fighter jets, claiming the measures are aimed at combating drug smuggling.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago announced on Monday that it has authorised US military aircraft to use its airports in the coming weeks for logistical operations, including supply replenishment and personnel rotations. The Caribbean nation lies just 12 kilometres off Venezuela’s coast.

Venezuela has condemned the attacks and the growing US military buildup, accusing Washington of seeking to seize its oil and gas resources. President Nicolas Maduro reiterated that Venezuela would halt gas supplies to Trinidad and Tobago, according to state media.

Source: Al Jazeera