U.S. military announces killing of five more individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking on boats in the eastern Pacific, increasing total death toll to at least 168.
Strikes conducted against two boats on April 11 by U.S. Southern Command, with aerial video evidence provided. Boats were said to be “transiting along known narco-trafficking routes.”
One survivor from the strikes was located and a search and rescue mission initiated by the U.S. Coast Guard. No immediate updates on the status of this operation.
Military began targeting drug boats in Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean last September, with at least six instances of survivors prompting rescue efforts.
Survivors’ handling has been under intense scrutiny; during first strike on Sept. 2, two individuals survived but were killed in follow-on attack, leading to accusations of potential war crimes.
Administration claims strikes necessary to combat narcotics trafficking, labeling alleged drug smugglers as “unlawful combatants” and a “non-international armed conflict.”
Two Trinidadian men’s families sued the Trump administration over premeditated killings, arguing lack of legal justification.