Pentagon officials confirmed this week that Secretary Pete Hegseth gave the green light for naval operations back in September. The target? A Venezuelan-flagged ship suspected of hauling narcotics across international waters.

The strikes resulted in 11 fatalities. According to the official statement from Washington, an admiral carried out the operation under direct authorization from Hegseth's office. The vessel was allegedly loaded with illegal substances at the time of engagement.

This marks a notable escalation in U.S. enforcement against maritime drug trafficking routes. Venezuela has been under intensifying scrutiny from Western authorities over the past year, with sanctions tightening across multiple sectors.

The September operation adds another layer to the complex relationship between Washington and Caracas. While the White House frames this as counter-narcotics enforcement, the broader geopolitical implications remain significant for regional stability.

Details about the specific naval assets involved and the exact location of the engagement haven't been publicly disclosed yet. The Defense Department typically maintains operational security around such missions until formal reviews conclude.