The United States military has conducted another lethal strike on a vessel allegedly involved in drug smuggling, resulting in three fatalities, the Pentagon confirmed on Sunday.
Details of the Pacific Operation
This latest incident, which occurred on Saturday in the eastern Pacific, marks the 21st known attack by US forces on suspected narcotics trafficking boats since the campaign began in early September. The operation was carried out by the Southern Spear joint taskforce.
According to a statement from US Southern Command posted on social media, the vessel was struck while in international waters. The command asserted that “intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics.”
Mounting Casualties and Legal Scrutiny
This aggressive counter-narcotics campaign has now resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people, according to official Pentagon figures. The escalating death toll has prompted significant concern.
Lawmakers in Congress, human rights groups, and US allies have all raised serious questions about the legality of these military strikes on the high seas.
In defence of its actions, the Trump administration has stated it possesses the legal authority to conduct such operations. The US Justice Department has provided a legal opinion justifying the strikes and arguing that military personnel involved are immune from prosecution.
The administration continues to frame these efforts as a justified and necessary measure to disrupt the flow of narcotics entering the United States.
