US Military Conducts Three Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats in Eastern Pacific, Killing Eight

The U.S. military has conducted three strikes on vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean suspected of drug smuggling, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. The U.S. Southern Command reported that intelligence confirmed these vessels were navigating known narco-trafficking routes and were engaged in drug trafficking activities.

The strikes were ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and executed by Joint Task Force Southern Spear. A total of eight men, identified as "narco-terrorists," were killed: three on the first vessel, two on the second, and three on the third.

These operations are part of a broader military campaign initiated under the Trump administration to combat drug-smuggling operations at sea. Since September, at least 95 people have been killed in 25 such strikes. The campaign has faced increasing scrutiny from Congress regarding its legality and effectiveness.