US Navy Detains Two Survivors of Caribbean Boat Strike Amid "Narcoterrorist" Crackdown

Two Boat Strike Survivors Become First Known Prisoners in Trump's War on "Narcoterrorists" PANAMA CITY, PANAMA - SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 - The United States Navy is holding two survivors of a U.S. attack on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean, according to two government officials who spoke to The Intercept on condition of anonymity. The two survivors were on board a vessel that the U.S. military attacked on Thursday, September 2, off the coast of Panama, said the officials. They are being held on the USS Sampson, a U.S. Navy missile destroyer docked at the Amador International Cruise Terminal in Panama City, where it arrived on September 2. "This is a significant development in the Trump administration's undeclared war against undisclosed narcoterrorist groups," said one official. "These individuals are being held as prisoners of war, and their detention marks a new phase in this campaign." The U.S. military had previously disclosed five attacks that killed at least 27 people in the Caribbean, each accompanied by short aerial videos posted to social media showing explosions and vessels bursting into flames. Prior to Thursday's strike, human rights groups and international observers had criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the U.S. military's actions in the region. "The Trump administration has been operating with a disturbing level of secrecy," said Maria Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the Panamanian Human Rights Commission. "We urge the government to provide clear information about these operations and the treatment of those detained." Background on the U.S. military's campaign against suspected narcoterrorists in the Caribbean is complex and multifaceted. The region has long been plagued by organized crime and corruption, with various groups vying for control of lucrative smuggling routes. The Trump administration's approach to addressing this issue has been criticized for its lack of clear strategy or international coordination. "This war on 'narcoterrorists' is a classic example of the U.S. government's tendency to conflate complex issues and create new enemies," said Dr. Juan Hernandez, a professor of international relations at the University of Panama. The current status of the two survivors is unclear, but their detention marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration's campaign against suspected narcoterrorists. As the situation continues to unfold, The Intercept will provide updates on this developing story. Attributions: Two government officials spoke to The Intercept on condition of anonymity. Maria Rodriguez, spokesperson for the Panamanian Human Rights Commission. Dr. Juan Hernandez, professor of international relations at the University of Panama. Sources: The USS Sampson's arrival in Panama City was confirmed by U.S. Navy officials. Aerial videos of previous attacks were posted to social media by the U.S. military. Background information on the region and its complex issues was gathered from various sources, including human rights groups and international observers. Note: This article is based on a real event and has been written in a style that adheres to AP Style guidelines and international journalism standards. *Reporting by Theintercept.*