US Defense Secretary Hegseth Backs Trump's Authority to Strike Alleged Drug Boats in War on Terror.

Breaking News: US Defense Secretary Defends Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats, Citing War on Terror US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended the recent strikes on alleged drug cartel boats, stating that President Donald Trump has the authority to take military action as he sees fit to defend the nation. Hegseth made the remarks on Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, where he likened the fight against drug trafficking to the war on terror following the September 11, 2001 attacks. According to Hegseth, the strikes, which have killed at least 87 people, are justified to protect Americans and will continue to target those involved in drug trafficking. "If you're working for a designated terrorist organization and you bring drugs to this country in a boat, we will find you and we will sink you," Hegseth said. The Defense Secretary emphasized that President Trump will take decisive military action to defend the nation's interests, warning countries around the world not to doubt the US's resolve. The recent strike, which brought the death toll to at least 87 people, has sparked intense scrutiny over concerns that it may have violated international law. Lawmakers have sought more answers about the attacks and their legal justification, and whether US forces were ordered to launch a follow-up strike. The incident has raised questions about the limits of the US's authority to use military force in the context of the war on drugs. The strikes have been condemned by some human rights groups, who argue that they may have resulted in civilian casualties. The US has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with some lawmakers calling for greater transparency and accountability. In the context of the war on terror, the US has faced criticism for its use of military force in various regions, including the Middle East and North Africa. The US has argued that its actions are necessary to protect national security and prevent the spread of terrorism. However, critics argue that the US's actions have often resulted in civilian casualties and have contributed to the destabilization of entire regions. As the situation continues to unfold, the US is likely to face further scrutiny and criticism from the international community. The incident highlights the complex and often contentious nature of the war on drugs, and the challenges of balancing national security with human rights and international law.