Staff Reports
The Pentagon has been a bit of a puzzle when it comes to its recent military operations in South America, particularly its secretive strikes against alleged drug boats. Many people are scratching their heads, wondering what exactly is happening and what kind of firepower is being employed. While much of the information is classified, some intriguing details have been pieced together from the Pentagon’s own videos and reports. These clues have uncovered the types of weaponry being used in this ongoing campaign, which has already resulted in the sinking of more than 25 boats and the loss of over 100 lives.
One of the stars of this operation is the notorious AC-130J gunship, affectionately nicknamed the “Ghost Rider.” This behemoth is a modified version of the C-130 plane made by Lockheed Martin, measuring in at about the size of a Boeing 737. A seasoned crew of airmen oversees this powerful aircraft, which is armed to the teeth. The front of the plane boasts a 30mm Bushmaster automatic cannon that can unleash a staggering 200 rounds a minute. Further back, it packs a punch with a 105mm howitzer capable of launching various artillery shells, promising a sizable explosion. This gunship also has hard points under its wings that can carry a variety of munitions, including the feared Hellfire missiles.
Historically, the Ghost Rider’s purpose has been to support troops on the ground, ensuring their safety by neutralizing threats. However, its recent redeployment to the Caribbean signals a shift in focus towards intercepting drug boats. Experts have analyzed striking footage and matched evidence to confirm the gunship’s role in targeting these vessels. With a cruising speed of 350 mph and a range extending up to 3,000 miles—boosted by aerial refueling—this aircraft is a formidable asset in the fight against drug trafficking in the region.
But the Ghost Rider isn’t flying solo. The MQ9 Reaper drones are also making a mark in this campaign. These remotely piloted aircraft, crafted by General Atomics, can not only strike targets but also gather invaluable intelligence. With the ability to carry a whopping 3,800 pounds of munitions, these drones can be outfitted with a range of high-tech weapons, including laser and GPS-guided munitions. This flexibility makes them consistently effective in varied situations. Their advanced sensors enable them to perform surveillance and reconnaissance alongside their primary bombing capabilities.
The U.S.’s offensive began in September in the Caribbean but has since expanded into the Pacific, suggesting a determined and ongoing campaign against drug smuggling operations. Members of the Trump administration have taken a hardline stance, linking the individuals involved in drug trafficking to terrorism. They argue that these operations represent a direct military threat to the United States, claiming that drug traffickers are out to undermine the nation’s stability. However, this aggressive approach is not without its critics; some members of Congress argue that targeting these individuals is not an act of war but rather an attack on alleged criminals in a complex legal gray area.
As this situation continues to unfold, the debate surrounding the legality and ethics of these strikes is sure to heat up. The Pentagon’s silence on the details is like a clandestine cloak under which many questions linger. In a world where the lines between criminality, terrorism, and warfare can blur, clarity is desperately needed. The Ghost Rider and the Reaper drones surely have their work cut out for them, but the conversation surrounding the military’s role in combating drug trafficking remains just as urgent as the fight itself.
