Core Points - The U.S. military sank a drug trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on October 21, marking the eighth such action since September and the first in the Pacific region [1] - The U.S. Defense Secretary stated that the operation was conducted under President Trump's orders against a vessel operated by a recognized terrorist organization involved in drug trafficking [1] - Tensions have escalated between the U.S. and Colombia, with accusations from Colombia that the U.S. military actions constitute murder, while the U.S. government has threatened to cut aid and impose tariffs [1] Summary by Sections - **Military Actions**: The U.S. military has conducted eight operations against drug trafficking vessels, with the latest occurring in the Pacific, previously focused on the Caribbean near Venezuela [2] - **Casualties**: The eight operations have resulted in at least 34 deaths, with only two survivors who were repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia [2] - **Political Context**: The Trump administration has claimed that the U.S. is in a non-international armed conflict with drug trafficking groups designated as terrorist organizations, facing criticism from Democratic lawmakers regarding the legality of military actions [2]