The U.S. military conducted strikes on three boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals accused of drug smuggling, a move that has drawn increasing scrutiny from Congress. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to brief lawmakers amid concerns over the military’s intensified campaign against alleged drug cartels, which has reportedly claimed at least 95 lives since September. President Trump has framed these operations as necessary to counter narcoterrorism and curb drug flow into the U.S., while Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claims they are aimed at destabilizing his government. The U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the region, indicating potential land attacks may follow.