US says it killed five people in strike on alleged drug boat

The U.S. military conducted an airstrike on a boat it claimed was smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. This marks the fifth such incident in which the U.S. military has killed people, bringing the total to at least 240 from over 70 strikes. The Trump administration has been targeting what it calls "narcoterrorists" since September 2025, operating along smuggling routes and alleging active involvement in drug trafficking.

However, the military did not provide evidence of drug trafficking. President Trump has framed these operations as part of an "armed conflict" with Latin American cartels, emphasizing the necessity to curb drug flows and overdoses. Critics have called into question the legality and effectiveness of these strikes, pointing out that most fentanyl ends up in the U.S. via land routes from Mexico, where it's produced with imported chemicals.

The Pentagon is set to investigate whether the military adhered to its targeting framework, though this will not address the legality of the strikes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has advocated for regional ally approval for these operations, though the military retains the right to execute strikes independently.