United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced that U.S. forces carried out an airstrike Friday against a speedboat in the eastern Pacific Ocean suspected of involvement in drug trafficking.
According to the statement, three individuals described as “narco-terrorists” were killed in the operation. Authorities also released a video that they say captures the moment the vessel was struck in the eastern Pacific.
No further details were provided regarding the identities of the victims or the boat’s country of origin.
Ongoing Maritime Operations
SOUTHCOM reported that since last September, the United States has conducted more than 40 strikes against vessels suspected of trafficking drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
The total reported death toll from these operations stands at at least 147. However, Washington has not publicly presented detailed evidence confirming that all targeted vessels were engaged in illegal activity. This has raised questions among observers about the scope and legal framework governing these military operations.
The strike underscores the continued U.S. efforts to combat transnational drug trafficking networks operating in international waters.
