WASHINGTON — Two individuals were killed Friday when American forces targeted a vessel suspected of transporting narcotics in the Pacific Ocean’s eastern waters, according to military officials.
This latest operation continues an ongoing military campaign that has been underway since early September, targeting suspected drug smuggling boats throughout Latin American waters including the Caribbean Sea. The strikes have resulted in at least 183 total deaths.
Military officials have yet to present evidence confirming that any of the targeted vessels actually contained narcotics.
These operations commenced as America deployed its most significant military force to the region in decades, occurring several months before the January operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro was transported to New York where he faces drug trafficking allegations and has entered a not guilty plea.
U.S. Southern Command released details about Friday’s operation, stating they had engaged suspected drug traffickers operating along established smuggling corridors. The command shared footage on X displaying a vessel on the water moments before an explosion engulfed it in flames.
President Donald Trump has declared the United States is engaged in “armed conflict” with Latin American cartels, defending these operations as essential measures to prevent drugs from entering American territory.
However, some observers have raised concerns about whether these boat strikes comply with international law.
