WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military confirmed Friday that it targeted an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, leaving behind three survivors. This action is part of the broader campaign initiated by the Trump administration against drug traffickers. According to U.S. Southern Command, responsible for overseeing much of Latin America, the U.S. Coast Guard was promptly notified to activate search and rescue operations for the survivors.
However, details remain sparse regarding the status of these individuals or potential casualties. Notably, since the commencement of targeting operations against what the U.S. labels as ‘narcoterrorists’ in small vessels in early September, over 157 fatalities have been reported due to military boat strikes.
The U.S. Southern Command maintained that their operations target drug traffickers along established smuggling routes, although they did not provide concrete evidence whether the vessel in question was indeed transporting narcotics. A video released showcased the vessel igniting into flames as it maneuvered through the waters.
President Donald Trump has previously characterized the situation as an 'armed conflict' with Latin American cartels, rationalizing the military actions as essential to countering the influx of drugs into the U.S. and the ensuing overdose crisis. Critics, however, have raised serious doubts regarding the evidence supporting claims of defeated 'narcoterrorists' by the administration.
Opponents of these strategies have called into question both the legality and overall efficacy of the strikes, especially considering that the more dangerous fentanyl is predominantly trafficked into the U.S. through land routes from Mexico, often using chemicals sourced from China and India.
However, details remain sparse regarding the status of these individuals or potential casualties. Notably, since the commencement of targeting operations against what the U.S. labels as ‘narcoterrorists’ in small vessels in early September, over 157 fatalities have been reported due to military boat strikes.
The U.S. Southern Command maintained that their operations target drug traffickers along established smuggling routes, although they did not provide concrete evidence whether the vessel in question was indeed transporting narcotics. A video released showcased the vessel igniting into flames as it maneuvered through the waters.
President Donald Trump has previously characterized the situation as an 'armed conflict' with Latin American cartels, rationalizing the military actions as essential to countering the influx of drugs into the U.S. and the ensuing overdose crisis. Critics, however, have raised serious doubts regarding the evidence supporting claims of defeated 'narcoterrorists' by the administration.
Opponents of these strategies have called into question both the legality and overall efficacy of the strikes, especially considering that the more dangerous fentanyl is predominantly trafficked into the U.S. through land routes from Mexico, often using chemicals sourced from China and India.
