In a major escalation of the so‑called “drug‑war at sea,” the U.S. military carried out a strike on a semi‑submersible vessel believed to be transporting illicit narcotics toward U.S. shores. The operation was confirmed by President Donald Trump, who described the moving target as a “very large DRUG‑CARRYING SUBMARINE … on a well known narcotrafficking transit route.”
Strike Footage Captures Narco-Sub Destruction
Surveillance footage shared by the United States Department of Defense shows the low‑profile craft almost fully submerged as it moved through Caribbean waters. Explosions followed, one striking the aft section of the vessel, which quickly sank.
According to Trump’s announcement, U.S. intelligence assessed that the vessel was laden primarily with fentanyl and other banned substances. “US Intelligence confirmed this vessel was loaded up with mostly Fentanyl, and other illegal narcotics,” he posted on his Truth Social account.
Of the four people aboard, Trump said two were killed in the strike and two survived. The survivors were rescued by U.S. forces via helicopter and transferred to a U.S. Navy warship. He added, “The two surviving terrorists are being returned to their Countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia, for detention and prosecution.”
In a separate message, Trump emphasised the peril he says the submarine posed: “At least 25,000 Americans would die if I allowed this submarine to come ashore.” He also noted that no American personnel were harmed during the operation and reiterated his administration’s stance: “Under my watch, the United States of America will not tolerate narcoterrorists trafficking illegal drugs, by land or by sea.”
One Submarine Survivour Back in Colombia
Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed that one Colombian national is back in his country and will face legal action: “We are glad he is alive, and he will be prosecuted according to the law.” Meanwhile, Ecuador’s government announced it had not yet received formal notification of any repatriation of its citizens.
This strike is part of an increased U.S. military effort in the region, with at least six operations targeting semi‑submersible or low‑profile craft since early September. Those campaigns have resulted in nearly 30 deaths, according to U.S. statements. Observers say the push uses legal authorities similar to those applied in the post‑9/11 war on terror treating narcotics traffickers as enemy combatants.
That approach has sparked debate. Legal experts warn that summarily killing suspected drug smugglers even if they are confirmed traffickers may raise serious questions under international law. Some critics cite prior incidents in which civilians were claimed to have been killed in these strikes.
Alongside the operations, the U.S. has deployed additional forces in the Caribbean: F‑35 fighter jets, a nuclear‐powered submarine, guided‑missile destroyers and around 6,500 troops have been positioned amid tensions with neighboring states, including Venezuela.
President Trump used the announcement to frame his drug‑war strategy in stark terms: “America will not tolerate narcoterrorists trafficking illegal drugs, by land or by sea.”
