A U.S. military strike on a vessel suspected of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific resulted in the deaths of three individuals, amidst ongoing operations to curb international drug trafficking.
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed that a vessel was operating on known drug smuggling routes in the eastern Pacific Ocean and was engaged in drug trafficking activities. The strike, part of a broader campaign initiated by the Trump administration in September targeting vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, aims to combat international drug trafficking. However, critics question the legality of such lethal actions in international waters under international law, raising concerns over the rules of engagement. Officially, approximately 130 individuals have been reported killed in similar operations to date, highlighting the high stakes and controversial nature of these military engagements.
