U.S. Military's Bold Pacific Strike: New Front in Drug War

The U.S. military conducted a strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Pacific Ocean, marking the first known operation in the region as part of a new offensive against the drug trade. Legal experts question the military's involvement over the Coast Guard's traditional role in maritime enforcement.

The U.S. military executed a strategic strike against a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Pacific Ocean, according to a U.S. official speaking under anonymity. This action marks the first known military operation in the Pacific following a series of strikes in the Caribbean as part of a larger offensive targeting the drug trade.

This development comes amid a significant military buildup in the Caribbean, involving advanced military assets such as guided missile destroyers and F-35 fighter jets. The heightened tensions against Venezuela and Colombia have drawn considerable attention to the U.S.'s anti-drug strategies.

Despite the military's involvement, legal experts are raising questions about the approach, particularly why the U.S. military is leading these operations instead of the Coast Guard, the primary maritime law enforcement entity. Concerns also arise regarding the necessity of using such forceful measures before exploring other options to curb drug shipments.

(With inputs from agencies.)