WASHINGTON – In a recent operation, the U.S. military targeted a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the survival of one.
Footage shared by the U.S. Southern Command on social media reveals a dark, boat-like silhouette followed by an apparent explosion, with a plume of fire ascending from the water.
Following the incident, Southern Command reported that they promptly alerted the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate a Search and Rescue mission for the lone survivor.
The White House announced on Wednesday that President Donald Trump has approved a new U.S. counterterrorism strategy. This strategy prioritizes the eradication of drug cartels throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Since early September, the Trump administration has been conducting operations to destroy vessels suspected of drug trafficking in Latin American waters, including the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea. These actions have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 193 people, though the military has yet to provide proof of any drugs being on these vessels. Recently, these strikes have intensified.
Meanwhile, President Trump has been urging leaders in the region to collaborate more closely with the United States. He advocates for joint military efforts to combat drug cartels and transnational gangs, which he claims represent an “unacceptable threat” to the security of the Western Hemisphere.
Critics, meanwhile, have questioned the overall legality of the boat strikes.
