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.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during the POW/MIA National Recognition Day Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 19, 2025. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

War Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Oct. 5 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.