Washington– The US military announced on Sunday that it blew up two boats accused of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing five people and leaving one alive, according to the Trump administration. She continues her campaign Against alleged traffickers in Latin America while Preparing for a naval blockade From Iranian ports.
Saturday’s attacks bring the number of people killed in boat attacks by the US military to at least 168 since the Trump administration began targeting what it calls “narco-terrorists” in early September.
As with most of the military’s statements about dozens of strikes in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, US Southern Command said it targeted alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The army did not provide any evidence that the ship was transporting drugs. Videos posted on X showed small boats moving through the water before each was detonated by a bright explosion.
US Southern Command stated on X that it had notified the US Coast Guard to activate its search and rescue system for the survivor. The Coast Guard confirmed it is coordinating the search, and said updates will be provided when available.
President Donald Trump said the United States is in “armed conflict” with gangs in Latin America and has already done so Justify the attacks As a necessary escalation to stop the flow of drugs into the United States and the fatal overdoses that claim the lives of Americans. But his administration has provided little evidence to support its claims of killing “narco-terrorists.”
Critics They questioned overall legitimacy of boat strikes as well as their effectiveness, in part because the fentanyl responsible for many fatal overdoses is commonly smuggled into the U.S. On the ground from MexicoIt is produced with chemicals imported from China and India.
Boat strikes in Latin America continued even as the US military focused on operations in the Middle East, where the United States has been engaged in a war with Iran for several weeks.
Trump said on Sunday that the US Navy would begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving Strait of Hormuzafter Ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran In Pakistan, it ended without reaching an agreement. Trump wants to weaken Iran’s main influence in the region War After demanding the reopening of the vital waterway through which 20% of the world’s oil usually passes. US Central Command said that the blockade would include Iranian ports.