The Pentagon Is Learning It’s Not So Easy to Sink a Boat

The Pentagon Is Learning It’s Not So Easy to Sink a Boat

Attacks in the Caribbean suggest boats have been obliterated in a single strike, but military attacks on suspected drug smugglers have been less effective than portrayed.

According to four government officials, the Trump administration has disclosed five attacks in its undeclared war in the Caribbean, each accompanied by a short aerial video showing an explosion and the vessel bursting into flames.

The attacks have been deadly, killing 27 so far, according to the Trump administration.

However, the White House’s portrayal of seamless, one-shot attacks belies the fact that they have required more munitions and strikes than has been shown to the public. One source specified that a .50 caliber machine gun finally sunk the foundering vessel.

Author's summary: Pentagon's attacks on boats are less effective than shown.

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The Intercept The Intercept — 2025-10-17

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