Pacific Operation
A U.S. military strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean resulted in the deaths of two men Friday. One survivor was found, according to U.S. Southern Command. The U.S. Coast Guard was notified to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor.
Southern Command's Statement
Southcom stated the vessel was operated by an unnamed designated terrorist organization. The boat was transiting along “known narco-trafficking routes” and was engaged in illicit drug trafficking, according to Southcom.
Rise in Strikes
The Trump administration's campaign of destroying alleged drug-trafficking vessels in Latin American waters began in early September. The strikes have occurred in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea. These strikes have killed at least 193 people in total. The military has not provided evidence that any of the vessels were carrying drugs. The strikes have ramped up again in recent weeks.
New Strategy
President Donald Trump signed off on a new U.S. counterterrorism strategy Wednesday. The strategy sets eliminating drug cartels in the Western Hemisphere as the administration’s highest priority.
Legality Questioned
Critics have questioned the overall legality of the boat strikes. The incident comes as Trump has sought to press regional leaders to work more closely with the U.S. to target cartels. Trump wants regional leaders to take military action themselves against drug traffickers and transnational gangs that he says pose an “unacceptable threat” to the hemisphere’s national security.
Visual Evidence
Video posted on social media by U.S. Southern Command shows a black, boat-shaped image before what appears to be an explosion. A column of fire rises from the ocean in the video.
The sources also report that U.S. Southern Command identified the vessel as operated by an unnamed designated terrorist organization, claiming it was engaged in illicit drug trafficking.