The United States military confirmed three strikes targeting alleged drug trafficking boats, resulting in 11 fatalities, as part of an ongoing campaign against drug cartels.
The United States Southern Command reported that three strikes targeting boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking occurred on Monday, as part of a continuing operation against drug cartels tied to terrorist organizations. This military action is part of a larger strategy by the U.S. government to disrupt trafficking routes and interrupt cartel operations. The intelligence supporting these strikes indicates direct connections between the boats and terrorist groups engaged in drug trade.
In the recent strikes, two attacks took place in the eastern Pacific Ocean and one in Caribbean waters, indicating a broad focus on critical trafficking areas. The U.S. has launched a series of similar operations over the past few months, with Monday's attack marking at least the third such event in February alone. This increased military engagement suggests a shift in U.S. policy towards a more aggressive approach against drug-related criminal organizations operating in key maritime regions.
Since last fall, strikes against these alleged drug vessels have resulted in approximately 130 fatalities, illustrating the high stakes of this conflict. The U.S. administration has publicly acknowledged that it considers itself to be in an armed conflict with drug cartels, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the issue that intertwines national security, drug law enforcement, and international relations in the Americas.
