U.S. military launched strike on drug-ferrying boat Friday, killing two people in eastern Pacific Ocean, according to U.S. Southern Command. No U.S. forces harmed, statement on X late Friday.
Video shows boat floating before explosion left it aflame; target was along known smuggling routes. Since September, Trump administration’s drone strikes have killed at least 183 people across Latin American waters, with other attacks in Caribbean Sea. Military has not provided evidence vessels carried drugs.
Attacks began as U.S. built largest military presence in region in generations and came months before January raid capturing then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He was brought to New York to face drug trafficking charges; pleaded not guilty.
President Trump says U.S. is in armed conflict with cartels, justifying attacks as necessary escalation to curb drug flow into the country. Critics question legality of boat strikes.