US military conducts strike killing six in Eastern Pacific operation

US Military Conducts Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel in Eastern Pacific Ocean

The United States military has confirmed that six individuals were killed in a strike on a vessel suspected of engaging in narco-trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, as part of an ongoing campaign against traffickers. The incident occurred on Sunday and marks the latest operation by US Southern Command.

According to General Francis Donovan, commander of US Southern Command, intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and engaged in narco-trafficking operations. A video posted on X shows a small boat being blown up as it floated on the water.

The military has conducted over 40 strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, targeting alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The US administration claims that these operations are necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the country.

In recent weeks, Ecuador and the US have conducted joint military operations against organized crime groups in South America. President Donald Trump has emphasized the need for regional cooperation to address security concerns posed by cartels and transnational gangs.

Critics have raised questions about the legality and effectiveness of the boat strikes, citing that the majority of fentanyl used in fatal overdoses is trafficked over land from Mexico. The military’s tactics have also been criticized for targeting survivors of previous attacks.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the campaign to hunt down boats allegedly bringing drugs has been successful, making it challenging to find targets.

Source: Al Jazeera