Global Headlines: Pentagon Confirms New Boat Strike Amid Controversy; Netflix Jumps Ahead in Bid for Warner Bros.

In a day of jarring developments, the Pentagon confirmed its latest fatal strike on an alleged drug boat in the Pacific, while the entertainment industry was rocked by news that streaming giant Netflix has entered exclusive talks to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery assets.

U.S. Military Conducts 22nd Deadly Boat Strike

The U.S. military has executed another lethal “kinetic strike” on a vessel suspected of carrying illicit narcotics, this time in the Eastern Pacific, killing four men, according to an announcement from the Pentagon on Thursday.

This marks the 22nd such strike since the campaign began in September, bringing the total death toll to at least 87 people.
The new attack comes as the Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, and the Trump administration face intense scrutiny from lawmakers over the legality of the operations.

Congressional turmoil has mounted since a previous strike in September, which allegedly involved a “double-tap” attack that killed survivors.

• Target: Vessel in international waters alleged to be transporting narcotics.
• Location: Eastern Pacific Ocean.
• Casualties: Four “narco-terrorists” were killed, according to the Pentagon.
• Context: The strikes are framed by the White House as part of an anti-drug offensive, Operation Southern Spear, and as a necessary action in the “armed conflict” with drug cartels.

Democratic lawmakers have introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth over his handling of the strikes, and a formal complaint has been filed by the family of a previous strike victim.

The Pentagon maintains the actions are legally sound, claiming the objective is to destroy the vessel and its illicit cargo to choke off cartel funding.

Netflix Enters Exclusive Talks to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery Assets
In a blockbuster development that could fundamentally reshape the entertainment landscape, Netflix has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire the film studio and streaming assets of Warner Bros.

Discovery (WBD).

The news follows an intense, multi-round bidding war that saw Netflix beat out rival suitors Paramount Skydance and Comcast. Netflix reportedly offered $30 a share for the WBD studio and the HBO Max streaming service.

• The Prize: Warner Bros. film studios, the HBO Max streaming platform, and a vast trove of intellectual property, including Harry Potter and the DC Universe.
• Key Detail: Netflix has included a massive $5 billion breakup fee if the deal fails to gain regulatory approval, a move likely aimed at matching a similar term in Paramount’s bid and demonstrating confidence despite anticipated antitrust concerns.
• Industry Fallout: Rivals, particularly Paramount Skydance, have lodged complaints about the fairness of the bidding process.

Moreover, an anonymous consortium of film producers has sent a letter to Congress warning of the deal’s potential to “hold a noose around the theatrical marketplace,” as Netflix’s intentions for theatrical releases remain a major question mark.

If finalized, the acquisition would combine two of the world’s most powerful content libraries, potentially creating a dominant entity in the streaming and production sectors.