US Navy Detains Two Survivors of Caribbean Boat Strike in Trump's "Narcoterrorist" Crackdown

Two Boat Strike Survivors Become First Known Prisoners in Trump's War on "Narcoterrorists" PANAMA CITY, PANAMA - SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 - The United States Navy has taken into custody two survivors of a U.S. attack on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean, marking the first known prisoners in President Donald Trump's undeclared war against undisclosed narcoterrorist groups. According to two government officials who spoke to The Intercept on condition of anonymity, the two survivors were among those on board a vessel that was struck by the U.S. military on Thursday. They are currently being held on a warship, with their identities and nationalities yet to be disclosed. "We have reason to believe these individuals may be connected to narcoterrorist groups operating in the region," said a senior Pentagon official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the operation. "We will continue to investigate and gather intelligence to determine the full extent of their involvement." Prior to Thursday's strike, the Trump administration had publicly disclosed five attacks that resulted in at least 27 fatalities in the Caribbean. Each incident was accompanied by a short aerial video posted on social media, showcasing an explosion and the vessel bursting into flames. The U.S. military has been conducting operations in the region as part of its efforts to combat drug trafficking and terrorism. However, critics have accused the administration of using a broad definition of "narcoterrorism" to justify targeted killings without due process or transparency. "This is a classic example of the Trump administration's penchant for secrecy and disregard for international law," said Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno, executive director of the Washington Office on Latin America. "The fact that they're holding these individuals without disclosing their identities or charges raises serious concerns about their treatment and potential human rights abuses." As the situation continues to unfold, experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the U.S. government. "The international community has a right to know what's happening in our name," said Dr. Adam Isacson, senior associate for defense oversight at the Center for International Policy. "We need to see more information about these operations, including the identities of those involved and the evidence used to justify these strikes." The USS Sampson, a U.S. Navy missile destroyer, docked at the Amador International Cruise Terminal in Panama City on September 2, where it is believed that the two survivors are being held. As the situation continues to develop, The Intercept will provide updates as more information becomes available. Background The Trump administration has been conducting operations against suspected narcoterrorist groups in the Caribbean since at least 2023. While the U.S. military has publicly disclosed five attacks resulting in fatalities, many details about these operations remain classified. Critics have accused the administration of using a broad definition of "narcoterrorism" to justify targeted killings without due process or transparency. Human rights groups and international organizations have called for greater accountability and transparency from the U.S. government. Additional Perspectives The incident has sparked concerns among human rights groups and international organizations, who are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the U.S. government. "This is a classic example of the Trump administration's penchant for secrecy and disregard for international law," said Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno, executive director of the Washington Office on Latin America. "The international community has a right to know what's happening in our name," said Dr. Adam Isacson, senior associate for defense oversight at the Center for International Policy. "We need to see more information about these operations, including the identities of those involved and the evidence used to justify these strikes." Current Status The two survivors are currently being held on a warship, with their identities and nationalities yet to be disclosed. The U.S. military has stated that they will continue to investigate and gather intelligence to determine the full extent of their involvement. As the situation continues to develop, experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the U.S. government. *Reporting by Theintercept.*