WASHINGTON — American military forces conducted another deadly strike Saturday against a vessel suspected of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific waters, resulting in three fatalities in what marks the fourth such operation this week, bringing the cumulative death count to 205.
The U.S. Southern Command announced the military action using standard terminology, stating the targeted vessel was “engaged in narco-trafficking operations” and run by a designated terrorist organization. No supporting evidence was provided for these claims.
This represents the most recent action in an extended military campaign targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels moving through Caribbean waters and the eastern Pacific region.
Military footage shared on social media platforms depicts a small boat floating on ocean waters before being struck and consumed by an explosive fireball.
This Saturday strike increases the fatality count to 205 from a sequence of American military operations that commenced in early September, with additional strikes reported on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The Trump administration has stated that America is engaged in armed conflict with Latin American drug trafficking organizations, claiming these groups are responsible for narcotics flowing into U.S. communities.
In its social media announcement, U.S. Southern Command indicated the strike was ordered by Gen. Francis L. Donovan, who serves as the senior American military commander for Latin America.
