US Military Reports Fatal Strike on Suspected Drug Vessel
Incident in the Eastern Pacific
The US military said on Thursday that it carried out a strike on a boat in the Eastern Pacific Ocean that it believes was involved in drug trafficking. The operation killed two people, according to US Southern Command.
Officials stated that the vessel was moving along well-known narco-trafficking routes. They also claimed that individuals linked to designated terrorist organisations were operating the boat.
Ongoing Maritime Operations
US forces have targeted suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific since September. During this period, the military has conducted at least 38 lethal strikes. These operations have resulted in the deaths of 128 people, officials said.
The campaign marks a significant escalation in maritime enforcement efforts aimed at disrupting drug supply networks before they reach US shores.
Government Justification
The Trump administration has defended the strikes as part of a non-international armed conflict. Officials argue that the operations are necessary to curb the flow of illegal drugs from Latin America into the United States.
Despite growing scrutiny, the administration maintains that the actions align with national security objectives and counter-narcotics strategies.
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