US Military Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats Result in 11 Deaths
In a series of targeted strikes on three alleged drug-smuggling boats, the US military reported 11 fatalities, marking one of the deadliest days in the Trump administration's campaign against what it refers to as 'narco-terrorists'. The strikes were executed in both the eastern Pacific and Caribbean regions.
The Broader Context
The recent operation has brought the death toll in such strikes to at least 145 since September when the Trump administration began its aggressive campaign against suspected drug traffickers operating on small vessels. According to multiple sources, there have been 42 known strikes primarily targeting notorious drug-trafficking routes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
Details on the Strikes
As per the official statement by the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), these strikes were conducted late on February 16, under the guidance of SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. The Joint Task Force Southern Spear was responsible for executing these strikes. The operation targeted three vessels allegedly operated by designated terrorist organizations
and purportedly involved in narco-trafficking.
Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations,
SOUTHCOM stated. The fatalities were distributed as follows: four on the first vessel in the Eastern Pacific, four on the second vessel in the Eastern Pacific, and three on the third vessel in the Caribbean. Notably, no US military forces were harmed in these operations.
Earlier Incidents
The latest strikes come close on the heels of similar operations carried out by the US military. On February 13, SOUTHCOM announced a strike on a vessel in the Caribbean, which resulted in three alleged drug traffickers being killed. Like the recent operation, this strike was conducted on a boat purportedly operating along known drug-trafficking routes.
Ongoing Campaign and Reactions
The Trump administration has been relentless in its pursuit of alleged 'narco-terrorists', a term used to describe drug traffickers operating on small vessels. However, the intensity and lethal nature of these operations have raised concerns and questions, which the administration has yet to address thoroughly.
Conclusion
As the campaign against alleged narco-trafficking continues, the death toll is likely to rise. While the US military maintains that these operations are targeted and based on solid intelligence, the high number of fatalities underscores the potentially dangerous and volatile nature of this campaign. As the situation develops, further updates are expected from the US military and the Trump administration.