U.S. military destroys second suspected drug vessel in Pacific in two days
The U.S. military has sunk a second vessel allegedly carrying narcotics in the eastern Pacific within 48 hours, killing two people. The strikes are part of the Trump administration's campaign against what it calls "narcoterrorism."
U.S. military destroys second suspected drug vessel in Pacific in two days
American forces have eliminated a second boat believed to be transporting illegal drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, this time leaving two individuals dead. The operation took place on Wednesday and was carried out under the direction of General Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
Footage released by SOUTHCOM shows a vessel engulfed in flames after an explosion on the water. The military stated the craft was operated by groups it classifies as terrorist organizations and was moving along established narcotics-trafficking corridors.
This strike came just one day after a similar attack on another suspected drug-running boat in the same region. That earlier operation, conducted on Tuesday, resulted in one fatality, while two other people aboard survived. SOUTHCOM reported that the Coast Guard had been alerted, though it remained unclear whether the survivors were successfully rescued.
The Trump administration launched its offensive against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in South American waters in September of last year. Since then, at least 196 people have died in these military actions. The campaign has since expanded to include targets in the eastern Pacific, where vessels linked to what officials describe as "narcoterrorist" networks are being targeted.
International law experts and human rights observers have raised concerns that lethal strikes conducted in international waters may violate legal norms governing the use of force at sea. The administration, however, continues to frame the operations as part of a broader counterterrorism and counternarcotics strategy.
Details reported by 24.hu.
Source: 24.hu