US Military Conducts Lethal Strike on Suspected Drug Trafficking Vessel in Pacific Ocean
The United States military has carried out a significant operation in the eastern Pacific Ocean, launching a lethal strike on a vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities. This marks the first known attack of its kind since the dramatic raid that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
According to official statements from US Southern Command, the targeted boat was actively engaged in narco-trafficking operations. The strike resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with one survivor reported. The US Coast Guard has been alerted to conduct search and rescue operations for the surviving person.
Global Political Tensions Escalate as Lula Criticizes Trump's 'Board of Peace' Proposal
In a separate development that highlights growing international diplomatic friction, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has launched a sharp critique against former US President Donald Trump. Lula accused Trump of attempting to create what he described as "a new UN" through his proposed "Board of Peace" initiative.
"Instead of fixing the existing United Nations structure, what we're witnessing is President Trump proposing to create a new UN where only he is the owner," Lula stated emphatically. The Brazilian leader joins a growing list of global figures who have declined to endorse Trump's controversial peace initiative.
White House Defends Trump's NATO Comments Amid UK Criticism
The diplomatic tensions extended to transatlantic relations as the White House pushed back against criticism from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding Trump's recent comments about NATO troop contributions in Afghanistan.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended Trump's position, stating: "President Trump is absolutely right — the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined." This exchange underscores the ongoing debates about burden-sharing within the NATO alliance.
Other Global Developments: Earthquake in Tibet and New Zealand Landslide
Meanwhile, several other significant events unfolded across the globe:
- Earthquake in Tibet: A mild earthquake measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale struck Tibet early Saturday. The National Center for Seismology reported that the tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, though no significant damage or casualties were immediately reported.
- New Zealand Landslide Tragedy: Rescue operations have concluded at a holiday park in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, where a devastating landslide buried at least six people. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson confirmed that human remains had been discovered beneath the massive volumes of earth and debris that swept through the campsite on Thursday.
- Operational Shift: Authorities have transitioned from rescue efforts to recovery operations, with officials noting that it may take several days to recover all victims from the landslide site.
These developments collectively paint a picture of a world grappling with multiple challenges — from military operations and diplomatic tensions to natural disasters and humanitarian tragedies. The US military strike in the Pacific represents a continued focus on combating international drug trafficking networks, while the political exchanges between global leaders highlight the complex dynamics shaping international relations in the current geopolitical landscape.
