The U.S. military has carried out a significant operation against drug trafficking linked to a Colombian terrorist group. On Friday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that a vessel associated with the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) was targeted in a lethal strike. The ELN is recognized as a terrorist organization and has been involved in ongoing conflicts with the Colombian government.
Hegseth stated that intelligence indicated the boat was engaged in drug smuggling along a known trafficking route. The strike occurred in international waters and resulted in the deaths of three individuals aboard the vessel, described as male narco-terrorists. Fortunately, no U.S. forces were harmed during the operation.
This action is part of a broader strategy to combat drug cartels in Latin America and the Caribbean. Earlier this month, Hegseth established a new counter-narcotics task force dedicated to this mission. He emphasized the seriousness of the threat posed by these cartels, comparing them to Al Qaeda and asserting that they will be treated as terrorists.
The ELN is among the most powerful insurgent groups in Colombia, boasting around 2,500 fighters. Their activities include armed assaults, extortion, and kidnapping, all aimed at controlling drug production areas in the country.
This military strike aligns with President Donald Trump’s recent push for Colombia to take stronger action against drug trafficking. Over the weekend, Trump announced plans to cut foreign aid to Colombia, criticizing the country for not doing enough to combat drug production. He described Colombia as a "drug manufacturing machine," highlighting concerns over its role in the global drug trade.
As the U.S. intensifies its efforts against drug trafficking, this strike marks a notable step in addressing the challenges posed by organizations like the ELN.
