The United States military carried out another strike on Saturday against a vessel suspected of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of three men. This marks the fourth such attack this week, bringing the overall death toll to 205.
Details of the Strike
U.S. Southern Command announced the operation, alleging that the boat was 'engaged in narco-trafficking operations' and operated by a 'designated terrorist organization.' No evidence was provided to support these claims.
Military footage released shows a small boat floating before being struck and engulfed in a fireball. Unlike previous videos, this one is in colour rather than black and white. The clip then shows the vessel in flames, surrounded by what appear to be packages or objects scattered in the water.
Context of the Offensive
This attack is part of a monthslong campaign against alleged drug vessels traversing the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific. The Trump administration has declared an armed conflict with Latin American drug cartels, blaming them for the flow of drugs into American communities.
U.S. Southern Command stated that the strike was directed by General Francis L. Donovan, the top U.S. commander in Latin America, who on Friday also met with Cuban military leaders near the U.S. Navy base in Guantanamo Bay.
The series of strikes began in early September, with previous attacks announced on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The total death toll now stands at 205.
