A video shows the chilling moment a suspected drug-smuggling boat was hit by the US military. The US army confirmed on Monday night that its forces attacked an alleged drug vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

During the course of the attack, one “narco-terrorist” was killed. In a post to their X social media page, the US Southern Command said it had acted on orders from War Secretary Pete Hegseth. They said its troops carried out a lethal strike on a vessel “transiting along known narco-trafficking routes” that was “engaged in narco-trafficking operations.”

Video images released by the military show the dramatic moment the boat came under fire.

The boat takes a direct hit and burst into flames. A major fire engulfs the stricken vessel.

The United States has conducted more than two dozen strikes against alleged drug boats.

In the process, over 100 people have died in the Pacific and Caribbean since September, according to the Pentagon.

US President Donald Trump would not specify what his “end game” in the region was, when he spoke to reporters on Monday.

However, he issued another chilling warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

“He could do whatever he wants, it’s all right, whatever he wants to do,” Trump said.

“If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough.”