BREAKING: The US military has launched a new strike against a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the death of one individual. This urgent operation was confirmed by US Southern Command on Monday, emphasizing that intelligence pointed to the vessel’s involvement in narco-trafficking activities.
In a statement released via social media, Southern Command asserted, “Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific.” However, the command did not provide concrete evidence directly linking the boat to drug smuggling operations.
The strike was visually documented, showing water splashes near the boat before a second barrage ignited the rear, engulfing it in flames. The footage concluded with the vessel drifting, severely damaged. Previous strikes have demonstrated similar patterns, with earlier videos capturing vessels exploding upon impact, indicating missile strikes were involved.
The Trump administration has justified these strikes as crucial in halting the flow of illegal drugs into the United States and increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Since early September, at least 105 individuals have been killed in a total of 29 confirmed strikes targeting suspected drug traffickers.
These military actions have sparked scrutiny from lawmakers and human rights advocates who argue that the lack of transparent evidence raises serious concerns about potential extrajudicial killings. Critics are questioning whether the targets are legitimately tied to drug trafficking or if the strikes are part of a broader political strategy.
Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard has escalated its operations in the Caribbean Sea, intensifying efforts to intercept oil tankers linked to Maduro’s government. This move aligns with the administration’s increasing focus on curbing illegal activities associated with the Venezuelan regime.
As developments continue to unfold, further scrutiny on the effectiveness and legality of these strikes is expected. The situation remains fluid, and key updates will be provided as they become available.
