US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday vowed to intensify the US military's efforts against alleged drug trafficking vessels, stating that "we've only just begun" this fight. The comments came during a Trump cabinet meeting.
Hegseth emphasized that those responsible for shipping illicit substances are being targeted with the goal of putting them "at the bottom of the ocean." This assertion underscores the growing concern over narco-terrorist groups using sea routes to distribute their illicit cargo.
The US military has been actively involved in interdicting these vessels, with operations often conducted in collaboration with regional partners. As Hegseth's words suggest, the administration is shifting its focus towards more robust and sustained counter-narcotics efforts, likely drawing on increased resources and technologies to tackle this threat.
It remains to be seen whether these enhanced measures will lead to significant reductions in maritime smuggling or merely shift the problem to other areas of the globe.
Hegseth emphasized that those responsible for shipping illicit substances are being targeted with the goal of putting them "at the bottom of the ocean." This assertion underscores the growing concern over narco-terrorist groups using sea routes to distribute their illicit cargo.
The US military has been actively involved in interdicting these vessels, with operations often conducted in collaboration with regional partners. As Hegseth's words suggest, the administration is shifting its focus towards more robust and sustained counter-narcotics efforts, likely drawing on increased resources and technologies to tackle this threat.
It remains to be seen whether these enhanced measures will lead to significant reductions in maritime smuggling or merely shift the problem to other areas of the globe.
I'm not convinced about all this military action against narco-terrorist groups. What's next, gonna send drones to chase them down? 
It just seems like another way to throw money at a problem that's been around for centuries. Have we really thought this through? We're talking about intercepting vessels on the high seas here, not exactly a walk in the park. And what about the collateral damage? Civilians get caught in the crossfire and suddenly it's all about "putting them at the bottom of the ocean". 
It just seems like we're throwing good money after bad.
come on, intensify the fight against drug trafficking vessels? that's just it – intensifying the problem. we're basically creating more opportunities for those involved to try and outsmart us. and now they're gonna put them at the bottom of the ocean? sounds like a bad 80s action movie 
. how about we tackle the root cause instead? i mean, what's driving these narco-terrorist groups in the first place? is it just gonna be more of the same old 'we've only just begun' mentality? 
. And what about all those innocent people who get caught in the crossfire? The US military is going to make a huge mess and then pretend like they're the heroes? Give me a break...
. The thought of them getting involved with narco-terrorist groups is just terrifying 
. As a parent, it's hard not to think about all the ways these groups can recruit young people who are already vulnerable or in need of attention 
.
. But what's going to happen when these vessels are intercepted? Is our military just going to shoot first and ask questions later 
?
. As parents, it's our job to keep them safe and informed, not just telling them what to do but also teaching them how to make smart choices 
.
! The US is just making a big show about it, like they're gonna magically make all the bad guys disappear underwater 
. It's not that simple, mate. We need real solutions, not just empty threats. I mean, what's the point of putting people at the bottom of the ocean? It's just gonna create more problems down the line. We should be working with our international partners to address the root causes of this issue, not just treating symptoms. And what about the environmental impact? All that stuff sinking to the bottom of the ocean can cause massive damage to marine life 
. Come on, let's think outside the box here 
I think it's a bit concerning that they're framing this as a "fight" with narco-terrorist groups... 
What about investing in community development programs or social services that can help individuals get out of the trade? 
It's also interesting that they mention putting those responsible "at the bottom of the ocean" – sounds like a pretty drastic and irreversible measure 
. Are we really considering the human impact of this kind of response? 
anyway, good luck with that "we've only just begun" thingy... like it's gonna make a huge difference. it's not like we haven't been trying this for decades and still can't crack the code. btw, who needs a fancy new military operation when you could be investing in something actually useful, like education or healthcare? 
. I'm all for it, but you gotta wonder if we're just moving the needle or actually making a dent in this huge problem 
. Fingers crossed! 
. also, have you seen the news about the military's new "advanced technologies" being used to fight trafficking? i'm not buying it... seems like they're just trying to sell us on more "security solutions". 
. Not to mention the environmental impact of all this militarized activity... it's just not adding up for me 
Just heard about this 
to fight against narco-terrorist groups on the high seas 
, hoping to put those bad guys 
and adaptable 
. They'll just find new routes 
to really tackle this problem 
! 
. I mean, who doesn't want to put 'em at the bottom of the ocean? It's like, the ultimate punishment, right?