Hegseth Says Military Has Every Authorization Needed for Strikes on Drug Boats

The U.S. military last week carried out another strike on a boat that officials said was transporting drugs to the country.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during the POW/MIA National Recognition Day Ceremony at the Pentagon, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday that the U.S. military has every authorization to carry out strikes against boats carrying narcotics off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, after another strike on a drug cartel vessel late last week.

“We have every authorization needed. These are designated as foreign terrorist organizations,” Hegseth said in an interview on Fox News.