The U.S. military has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking by launching two recent strikes against alleged drug-carrying vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The latest strike occurred on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This follows a previous strike on Tuesday night that killed two people. These operations mark a significant shift from earlier strikes that primarily targeted vessels in the Caribbean Sea, bringing the total death toll to at least 37 since the campaign began last month.

Hegseth emphasized that these strikes represent an expansion of the military's operational area, focusing on the waters off South America, where a significant amount of cocaine is smuggled. He drew parallels between the current actions against drug cartels and the U.S. war on terrorism, stating, "Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people." He further described the alleged drug traffickers as "the 'Al Qaeda' of our hemisphere."

President Donald Trump has justified these military actions by claiming that the U.S. is in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, labeling them as unlawful combatants. He stated, "We have legal authority. We’re allowed to do that," and hinted that similar strikes could extend to land operations in the future. Trump expressed confidence in the military's readiness, saying, "We will hit them very hard when they come in by land."

Concerns have been raised by lawmakers from both parties regarding the legality of these military actions. Some have questioned whether Trump has the necessary authorization from Congress. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the strikes, asserting, "If people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, stop sending drugs to the United States."

In a video shared by Hegseth, one of the targeted boats was seen filled with brown packages before it exploded. The U.S. military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean and off the coast of Venezuela, leading to speculation about potential actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S.

The strikes have raised questions about the administration's approach to prosecuting individuals involved in drug trafficking. After a previous strike, two survivors were returned to their home countries, with Ecuadorian officials stating they lacked evidence to charge one of them.

As the military operations continue, some lawmakers are demanding more transparency regarding the legal justifications for the strikes. Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed his concerns, stating, "Expanding the geography simply expands the lawlessness and the recklessness in the use of the American military without seeming legal or practical justification."

The Republican-controlled Senate recently rejected a Democratic-sponsored resolution that would have required Trump to seek congressional authorization for further military strikes. Republican Senator John Kennedy expressed confidence in the legal basis for the strikes, stating, "He has researched the legal ramifications carefully and he believes we’re on solid ground in attacking these narcoterrorists."

The ongoing military actions reflect the Trump administration's commitment to combating drug trafficking and its associated violence, as officials continue to navigate the complex legal and political landscape surrounding these operations.