US military says 5 killed by strike on alleged drug boat in eastern Pacific

The U.S. military carried out an attack on Tuesday, allegedly targeting a vessel suspected of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, according to the report. This action is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to combat alleged drug traffickers in Latin America. As of now, at least 240 people have been killed by U.S. military strikes involving boat operations in over 70 incidents.

The campaign against these so-called "narcoterrorists" was initiated by the administration in September 2025. The military claims they targeted these alleged drug traffickers along well-known smuggling routes, stating that intelligence had confirmed the vessel's active participation in narcotrafficking. However, the military did not provide evidence to back up the claim that the vessel was involved in drug smuggling.

A video posted on social media platform X showed a small boat in the water before it was struck by an explosion. President Donald Trump has labeled the U.S. as being in "armed conflict" with cartels in Latin America, justifying the attacks as a necessary measure.