Second Operation This Week Expands Maritime Anti-Drug Campaign
The U.S. military carried out another strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean, targeting what officials described as drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in three fatalities. This marks the second such operation in recent days, following an earlier attack that killed two people, as Washington steps up efforts to disrupt global narcotics trafficking networks at sea.
Pentagon Confirms Boats Linked to Criminal Organizations
Defense officials stated that the boats were operating in international waters along recognized smuggling corridors. Intelligence reports indicated ties between the vessels and a designated terrorist-linked trafficking group. The Pentagon said no American troops were harmed during the mission, which forms part of a broader strategy to combat organized criminal activity beyond U.S. borders.
International Response Highlights Legal and Diplomatic Tensions
The strikes have drawn scrutiny from several Latin American governments, some of which have questioned the legitimacy of military action in international waters. Analysts caution that these operations, while aimed at curbing the drug trade, risk straining regional relations and broadening the scope of U.S. involvement in maritime enforcement efforts.
