The U.S. military conducted strikes on two boats accused of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing five people and leaving one survivor, according to multiple reports. The attacks occurred on Saturday and were reported by U.S. Southern Command on Sunday.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. military conducted strikes on two alleged drug-trafficking boats in the eastern Pacific, killing five people and leaving one survivor. The attacks bring the total deaths since September to at least 168.
- U.S. Southern Command reported the strikes but provided no evidence of drug trafficking
- Videos showed bright explosions engulfing both boats
- One survivor was left, with search-and-rescue protocols activated
- President Trump justifies strikes as necessary to combat drug trafficking
- Critics question legality and effectiveness of these operations
The strikes bring the total number of people killed in such operations since September to at least 168. As with previous strikes, the military stated that the boats were targeted along known smuggling routes but did not provide evidence of drug trafficking. Videos posted online showed the boats being engulfed in bright explosions.
U.S. Southern Command notified the Coast Guard to activate search-and-rescue protocols for the survivor, though updates on their status were not immediately available. President Donald Trump has justified these attacks as necessary to combat drug trafficking and reduce fatal overdoses in the U.S., labeling the alleged smugglers as 'narcoterrorists'. However, critics have questioned both the legality and effectiveness of these strikes.
The boat strikes continue amid ongoing military operations in the Middle East, where the U.S. has been engaged in a war with Iran for several weeks. President Trump announced on Sunday that the U.S. Navy would begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz following failed ceasefire talks.
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