The US military conducted strikes on three vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing eight people, as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking. President Trump justified the attacks, citing an 'armed conflict' with drug cartels. The strikes have faced criticism from lawmakers, with calls for transparency regarding the release of strike videos. The campaign has intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the US accuses of narco-terrorism. Trump has classified fentanyl as a 'weapon of mass destruction' and hinted at upcoming ground attacks.