WASHINGTON - The U.S. military confirmed Sunday that five individuals were killed and one survivor remains after two boats, allegedly involved in drug smuggling, were destroyed in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This incident adds to a series of similar strikes conducted by the U.S. military in the region and the Caribbean Sea.
The military, through U.S. Southern Command, stated the targeted vessels were located along known smuggling routes. However, no evidence was presented to substantiate the claim that the boats were carrying drugs. This pattern of unsubstantiated claims has characterized most of the military's public statements regarding these operations.
The U.S. military has been conducting these controversial strikes against alleged drug boats since last September. The Trump administration has framed these actions as necessary to combat narcotics trafficking.
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This latest operation occurred amidst the U.S. military's broader focus on operations in the Middle East, including a recent conflict with Iran. Concurrent with the eastern Pacific strikes, the Trump administration also announced plans for a naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, following the collapse of ceasefire talks in Pakistan.
US Southern Command has reportedly notified the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate search-and-rescue protocols for the sole survivor. Videos circulating on social media platforms, purportedly showing the strikes, depict small boats erupting in flames.
The campaign, which has drawn scrutiny, has reportedly resulted in a total death toll of at least 168. One prior incident in September involved survivors of an initial strike being killed in a subsequent attack, sparking accusations that the second strike might constitute a war crime.
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