U.S. Strike in Eastern Pacific Kills One, Leaves Two Survivors
The U.S. Southern Command announced Tuesday night that one person was killed and two survivors were left after an alleged drug boat was struck in the eastern Pacific.
SOUTHCOM stated on social media that the boat was operated by a designated terrorist organization, was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes, and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. The military’s post included video showing a strike on a boat that broke into two smoldering pieces.
U.S. Southern Command notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivors.
The Trump administration’s campaign of striking boats claimed to be trafficking drugs in Latin American waters began early September, resulting in at least 193 deaths.
The military has not provided evidence that any vessels were carrying drugs. A spokesperson for U.S. Southern Command previously stated: “For operational security reasons, we cannot discuss specific sources or methods.”
President Trump has said the U.S. is in armed conflict with cartels in Latin America and justified the attacks as necessary to stem drug flow into the United States. The White House announced a new U.S. counterterrorism strategy that sets eliminating drug cartels in the Western Hemisphere as the administration’s highest priority.
Mr. Trump sought regional leaders to work closely with the U.S. to target cartels and take military action against drug traffickers and transnational gangs posing an unacceptable threat to national security.
Critics have questioned the legality of the boat strikes, particularly after confirming a follow-on strike on Sept. 2 that killed two survivors, raising concerns about potential war crimes.