Tensions in the Caribbean

New American boat attack in the Pacific Ocean – four dead

The US has carried out a new attack on what is described as a drug boat in the Pacific Ocean, the US military on X reports according to TT.

Four people were killed in the attack, which was carried out in international waters.

The Trump administration claims that the US is at war with drug cartels, and more than 85 people have so far been killed in US attacks on what are said to be drug boats in both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Took 41 minutes between the first and second attacks

The US and the Department of Defense, led by Pete Hegseth, have been heavily criticized and accused of war crimes after attacking what is alleged to have been a drug boat on two occasions in September.

Two people survived the first attack and tried to get back on board when the boat was fired on again.

According to CNN, defense officials have tried to deflect criticism by claiming that it appeared as if the two people were calling for help or reinforcements via radio.

However, when Admiral Frank Bradley, who ordered the second attack, was questioned in Congress on Thursday, a new version emerged. Three sources with insight into the hearing told CNN that Bradley said the two people had no way of sending a distress call.

In addition, it reportedly took 41 minutes of internal discussions before the decision was made to open fire again. 

Analysis: The video of the attack could turn public opinion

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is likely to be safe after Thursday's congressional hearing on the double attack on a "drug boat" on September 2, but public opinion could still swing. The BBC's Anthony Zurcher writes in an analysis.

Democrats have described the video of the attack, which has not yet been released in full, as "very, very disturbing". Donald Trump, in turn, has opened up to releasing it in full.

"If the video is as disturbing as some Democrats claim, it could change public opinion, which has so far been as divided as the parties," writes Anthony Zurcher.

The double attack has also raised the question of whether it is a war crime. Charlie Savage and Julian Barnes write in an analysis in the New York Times that the suspected drug boat cannot be considered a warship.

Usually, suspected drug smuggling at sea is handled by the Coast Guard, and by police on land.

“It would be a crime if police officers simply shot suspected drug dealers on the street instead. Similarly, the military is not allowed to target civilians, and being suspected of a crime does not mean you lose your status as a civilian.”