US military says it killed four in strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean

The U.S. military conducted a strike on a Caribbean Sea vessel on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, according to the latest report from U.S. Southern Command. This marks the 231rd confirmed fatality in 69 such strikes since the Trump administration's campaign against alleged drug smugglers in Latin America began nearly a year ago.

The military has not provided evidence confirming the boat's involvement in drug trafficking. A video shared on social media showed a moving boat followed by a flash, though no proof of illegal activities was presented. The administration is reportedly negotiating with allied nations to expand its operations to land across multiple Latin American countries, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announcing agreements with Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras.

However, Guatemala has denied these claims, while Ecuador has reportedly participated in similar missions with the U.S. since March. President Trump has labeled the U.S. as being in "armed conflict" with cartels in Latin America, justifying the strikes as a means to prevent drug trafficking and overdoses in the United States. However, the administration has not supplied substantial evidence to substantiate these claims.