U.S. forces strike vessel in Pacific, killing 2 accused of trafficking drugs

The United States Southern Command initiated a strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals accused of drug trafficking. This marks the first such attack in months, following a two-month hiatus. The overall death toll from these strikes has risen to 223 people killed in 67 operations during the ongoing US campaign targeting alleged drug boats off Latin America's Caribbean coast and the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The campaign has destroyed 64 speedboats, three "low-profile" ships, and a semisubmersible craft. The military asserts that the strikes have destroyed narco-terrorist operations, dismantled leadership, and eliminated cartel terror in the region. Gen Francis Donovan, who leads the Southern Command, emphasized this commitment. The administration is also seeking agreements with allied nations to extend the offensive to land across multiple Latin American countries.

However, critics question the overall legality and effectiveness of these strikes, particularly given the complexity of fentanyl trafficking routes. The Pentagon plans to investigate whether the military adhered to its established targeting framework during these operations.