WASHINGTON — American forces carried out a deadly attack Wednesday on a vessel believed to be transporting narcotics in the eastern Pacific, resulting in two deaths.
U.S. Southern Command released footage on social media platforms displaying a watercraft floating on the ocean surface moments before an explosive strike. The final moments of the recording capture flames and smoke billowing from the targeted vessel.
Tuesday saw U.S. forces conduct a similar operation against a suspected narcotics boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in one death and two people rescued. Southern Command stated it “immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivors.”
The current administration’s strategy of destroying suspected drug-smuggling boats throughout Latin American waters, spanning the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea regions, has continued since early September and resulted in no fewer than 196 total deaths. Military officials have not released proof that any targeted vessels actually contained narcotics.
The Pentagon’s oversight office announced last week it would examine whether U.S. forces adhered to proper targeting procedures during these operations against suspected smuggling boats. The six-step Joint Targeting Cycle encompasses military commander objectives, target identification, analysis, decision-making, execution and evaluation.
The Pentagon inspector general’s office described the review as “self-initiated.” The investigation will not examine the legal basis for these operations, which have faced significant criticism from some Democratic lawmakers and military legal experts.
The current administration maintains the U.S. is engaged in warfare against Latin American drug organizations, which it blames for the epidemic of deadly drug overdoses affecting numerous American communities.
