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Recent survivors of US boat strikes haven't been found, bringing overall death toll to 199

Recent survivors of US boat strikes haven't been found, bringing overall death toll to 199

The death toll from the Trump administration’s monthslong series of strikes on suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean has risen to at least 199 people after survivors of recent attacks weren't found

US Military Strike on Suspected Drug Boat in Pacific Results in Casualty

US Military Strike on Suspected Drug Boat in Pacific Results in Casualty

The U.S. military conducted a strike on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in one fatality and two survivors. This action is part of an ongoing campaign by the Trump administration targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels in Latin American waters. Since the campaign's inception in September, at least 194 individuals have been killed. The Pentagon's inspector general is reviewing whether the military adhered to established targeting protocols during these operations. The legality of the strikes has been questioned by some lawmakers and legal experts, though the review will not address this aspect.

The Latest: US forces carry out new defensive strikes on Iran

The Latest: US forces carry out new defensive strikes on Iran

U.S. forces carried out new defensive strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump asserted Iran is “negotiating on fumes” and insisted November’s midterm elections in the United States won’t make him rush into a deal to end the nearly three-month-old conflict

U.S. Defense Department Faces Years-Long Replenishment of Weapons Stockpiles Post-Iran Conflict

U.S. Defense Department Faces Years-Long Replenishment of Weapons Stockpiles Post-Iran Conflict

The U.S. Department of Defense is facing a significant challenge in replenishing its stockpiles of advanced weapons following the military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury. The conflict, which involved extensive use of missiles and other munitions, has depleted key inventories such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot and THAAD interceptors. According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, restocking these weapons will take 'months' and 'years,' depending on the system. The Trump administration has proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget to address these needs, marking a 42% increase over current funding levels. Despite concerns about stockpile levels, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell assured that the U.S. military remains fully capable of executing operations as needed.

Guatemala outlines deal for US aid against drug trafficking

Guatemala outlines deal for US aid against drug trafficking

By Sofia Menchu GUATEMALA CITY, May 28 (Reuters) - Guatemala has requested U.S. military cooperation spanning access to equipment, training, and experts to assist Guatemalan operations against drug trafficking, President Bernardo Arevalo said on Thursday.

US State Department labels Brazil's 2 biggest drug gangs as foreign terrorist organizations

US State Department labels Brazil's 2 biggest drug gangs as foreign terrorist organizations

The U.S. State Department designated two Brazilian criminal groups as foreign terrorist organizations on Thursday, a move that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has repeatedly said he will interpret as interference favoring his rival, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, in October’s presidential elections

House Draft Defense Policy Bill Leaves Key Trump Administration Priorities Unfunded

House Draft Defense Policy Bill Leaves Key Trump Administration Priorities Unfunded

The House Armed Services Committee's draft of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) reveals a $1.15 trillion baseline defense spending plan, falling short of the Pentagon's $1.5 trillion request. Key priorities from the Trump administration, such as the Golden Dome, shipbuilding, and munitions build-up, require an additional $350 billion in reconciliation funds. HASC Chairman Mike Rogers is optimistic about securing these funds through reconciliation, a process that requires only a simple majority. However, the committee has not adjusted the discretionary budget to account for potential funding shortfalls, leaving significant defense priorities unfunded.

U.S. Faces Long-Term Challenges in Replenishing Weapons Stockpiles Post-Iran Conflict

U.S. Faces Long-Term Challenges in Replenishing Weapons Stockpiles Post-Iran Conflict

The U.S. military's involvement in the conflict with Iran has significantly depleted its weapons stockpiles, particularly of advanced munitions like Tomahawk missiles, THAAD systems, and Patriot interceptors. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reports that replenishing these stockpiles could take years due to production timelines and existing defense commitments. The Trump administration has proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget to address these concerns, but the core issue remains the time required to rebuild these arsenals.

US military strikes another alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific, killing 2

US military strikes another alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific, killing 2

The U.S. military has struck another vessel suspected of transporting drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two men

US military strike on alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific kills 1, leaves 2 survivors

US military strike on alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific kills 1, leaves 2 survivors

The U.S. military has launched another strike on a vessel suspected of transporting drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing one man and leaving two survivors

Pentagon's Drug Trafficking Strategy Criticized for Ineffectiveness and Potential Civilian Harm

Pentagon's Drug Trafficking Strategy Criticized for Ineffectiveness and Potential Civilian Harm

The Pentagon's strategy of targeting drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific has been criticized for its ineffectiveness in reducing drug trafficking into the U.S. Despite the military's efforts, drug seizures have increased since the strikes began. The approach has been likened to treating drug cartels as terrorist groups, which could lead to more civilian casualties and stricter security policies. The U.S. Coast Guard has commissioned new Fast Response Cutters to replace older patrol boats, aiming to enhance border and maritime security.

US will need years to replenish stockpiles of advanced weapons used in Iran war, new analysis finds

US will need years to replenish stockpiles of advanced weapons used in Iran war, new analysis finds

U.S. military contractors will need at least three years to replenish stockpiles of three key weapons systems used in the Iran war