The U.S. military conducted a strike on Friday in the eastern Pacific Ocean targeting a boat suspected of smuggling drugs. This operation resulted in the deaths of three men, marking the third such attack this week and bringing the total death toll to over 200 individuals.
The U.S. Southern Command, responsible for managing military operations in Latin America, highlighted this latest strike as part of an ongoing campaign against boats alleged to be engaged in narco-trafficking activities. While the announcement referred to the vessel’s operations as being linked to a designated terrorist organization, it did not provide supporting evidence.
This particular military strike was notable for the use of color footage in its social media announcement. The video shows a small vessel on the ocean, subsequently hit and catching fire. Another segment of the footage depicts what appears to be the boat in flames, surrounded by debris or parcels floating in the water.
U.S. Southern Command shared details on social media, noting that the strike was ordered by Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the leading U.S. commander in Latin America. On the same day, Donovan met with Cuban military representatives near the U.S. Navy base in Guantanamo Bay.
The strikes are part of measures taken since September as the Trump administration declared an armed conflict with Latin American drug cartels, citing their role in drug distribution within the U.S. Consequently, the death toll from these operations has increased, with reports indicating over 200 casualties.
Controversy surrounds the legality of these boat strikes. Notably, a follow-up strike on Sept. 2 resulted in additional deaths, including two survivors from the initial attack. This action has raised legal and ethical concerns, with some lawmakers questioning if it constitutes a war crime.