Washington — The U.S. has been carrying out intermittent strikes on vessels alleged to be carrying drug smugglers and illegal narcotics in international waters off South American coastlines since early September.

President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth say the boats were known to be involved in drug smuggling, and insist they have the authority to carry out the strikes without authorization from Congress. Mr. Trump has long decried the influence of drug cartels in the United States, although the lethal strikes represent the biggest escalation in his war on drugs.

Here's what's known about the Trump administration's strikes.

How many boats have been struck?

As of Friday, Oct. 24, the Trump administration has publicly disclosed strikes on 10 vessels since the president reveal

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