WASHINGTON — American military forces announced Tuesday they launched operations against three vessels suspected of drug trafficking in Latin American waters, resulting in 11 deaths during one of the most lethal days in an ongoing monthslong operation.
Monday’s operations increased the total number of fatalities to a minimum of 145 individuals since the current administration initiated its campaign against what it terms “narcoterrorists” operating small watercraft beginning in early September.
According to U.S. Southern Command, the military targeted suspected narcotics traffickers operating along established smuggling corridors, consistent with most statements regarding the 42 documented operations. Officials reported that two watercraft, each carrying four individuals, were struck in eastern Pacific waters, while a third vessel with three occupants was targeted in Caribbean waters. Military officials released video footage showing the destruction of boats but provided no documentation proving the vessels contained illegal narcotics.
President Donald Trump has declared the United States is engaged in “armed conflict” with Latin American cartels and has defended these operations as essential measures to interrupt drug trafficking. However, the administration has provided minimal evidence supporting its assertions about eliminating “narcoterrorists.”
