US Military Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Boat Leaves Two Dead

(MENAFN) A US military operation in the Eastern Pacific resulted in the deaths of two individuals on Wednesday after forces targeted a vessel suspected of involvement in drug trafficking activities, according to official statements.

Information released by US Southern Command indicated that intelligence assessments identified the boat as traveling through routes commonly associated with narcotics smuggling in the Eastern Pacific. Authorities said the vessel was believed to be actively participating in drug-trafficking operations.

According to official accounts, the boat was linked to groups that US authorities classify as terrorist organizations. The military stated, "Two male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed."

The latest operation forms part of a wider campaign conducted by the US military against suspected drug-smuggling vessels operating in the region. Reports indicate that since September of last year, more than 60 such strikes have been carried out, resulting in over 200 fatalities.

However, the campaign has drawn criticism from legal specialists and human rights organizations. According to reports, critics argue that the operations may violate international law and raise concerns over possible extrajudicial killings, maintaining that those targeted appear to be civilians rather than combatants.

MENAFN04062026000045017281ID1111209832