WASHINGTON: The US military said on Friday it had struck another boat alleged to be trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people and leaving one survivor.
The latest strike — which follows dozens of similar attacks in recent months — bring the US campaign’s death toll to at least 189, according to an AFP tally.
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US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said one person survived the strike, without specifying their condition, adding that the US Coast Guard had been notified to launch a search and rescue mission.
As with many previous attacks, SOUTHCOM said on X that the boat hit was “operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations” and that “intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes.”
Black-and-white video accompanying the post shows a small boat moving through the water before it is hit with a projectile, followed by a large explosion.
President Donald Trump’s administration began targeting alleged smuggling boats in early September, insisting it is effectively at war with what it calls “narco-terrorists” operating out of Latin America.
But his administration has not provided definitive evidence that the vessels it has been striking are involved in drug trafficking, prompting debate about the legality of the operations.
Friday’s attack is at least the ninth in a month.
Legal experts and rights groups suggest the strikes could amount to extrajudicial killings because they have apparently targeted civilians who do not pose an immediate threat to the United States.
