US Military Conducts Strike on Vessel in Eastern Pacific Region

US Military Conducts Attack on Eastern Pacific Vessel

The US military has carried out an attack on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The attack occurred on Monday, according to a statement released by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The statement claimed that the boat was “transiting along known narco-trafficking routes” and was targeted with a lethal kinetic strike.

The attack is part of a series of strikes carried out by the US military in the Pacific and Caribbean since September. According to SOUTHCOM, at least 170 people have been killed in these incidents. The latest incident brings the total number of fatalities to this number.

A grainy video clip was released with the statement, showing the boat being attacked from the air and exploding into flames. The attack occurred on the second day in a row that SOUTHCOM announced a deadly strike on boats in the Pacific.

The US military has stated that the attacks are part of its efforts to combat Latin American drug trafficking cartels. However, international law experts and human rights groups have raised concerns about the administration’s actions, citing potential extrajudicial killings in international waters. The Trump administration claims that the attacks are necessary to disrupt drug trafficking operations.

The identity and circumstances surrounding the survivor of Sunday’s attack on two boats in the eastern Pacific remain unclear. SOUTHCOM stated that the US coastguard was notified following the incident.

Source: Al Jazeera