US Military Kills Five in Latest Strike on Alleged Drug Boats
The US military has reported that five individuals were killed in a recent operation targeting two boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking. This strike highlights ongoing efforts to combat narcotics smuggling across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Overview of the Incident
– Date of Strike: Wednesday, recent 9 hours ago.
– Location: The specific location of the strikes has not been disclosed.
– Operation Duration: US forces have been actively engaging suspected drug vessels for three months.
Background on US Military Actions
– The operation occurred a day after the military targeted a convoy of three suspected narco-trafficking vessels, resulting in at least three fatalities.
– The Trump administration has framed these operations as part of a non-international armed conflict against alleged traffickers. However, legal experts express concerns regarding potential violations of international conflict laws.
Strike Statistics
– Over 30 strikes conducted against suspected drug boats during this campaign.
– More than 110 individuals killed since the first attack on a vessel in international waters on September 2.
– The initial strike on September 2 drew significant scrutiny due to a double-tap tactic, where survivors were subsequently killed during a second attack.
Survivor Report
– Following the strike on the convoy of three boats on December 30, US Southern Command reported some survivors, although the exact number was not specified.
– The remaining narco-terrorists abandoned the other two vessels, the Command noted, promising that the US Coast Guard was notified to search for those who jumped overboard.
– According to a US official who requested anonymity, a search is underway for eight survivors, but updates on their recovery remain unclear.
Claims of Drug Trafficking
– The US military has yet to provide concrete evidence that the targeted vessels were engaged in drug trafficking. Despite this, Southern Command continues to assert that intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and engaged in narco-trafficking.
Conclusion
The US military’s ongoing strikes against alleged drug boats reflect a significant escalation in efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region. As the operations progress, legal and ethical questions arise, particularly concerning the safety and treatment of survivors. Continuous scrutiny from lawmakers emphasizes the need for transparency and adherence to international law in these operations.