US Military Strikes: Targeting Narco-Trafficking in the Pacific

The US military conducted two strikes on boats involved in drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific, killing five people. This brings the total number of strikes to 28 and over 100 fatalities. President Trump claims these actions are essential to combat drug cartels, facing growing scrutiny from lawmakers.

The United States military announced on Thursday that it has conducted two more operations targeting drug-smuggling vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These strikes have resulted in the deaths of five individuals.

According to US Southern Command, intelligence confirmed that the targeted boats were traveling along known narco-trafficking routes and engaging in drug trafficking operations. However, evidence supporting these claims was not provided, though the military posted videos online showing the boats being struck by explosions.

With this latest action, the total count of boat strikes now reaches 28, with over 104 individuals reportedly killed, as noted by the Trump administration. President Donald Trump defended these strikes as essential measures to curb the flow of drugs into the US, describing the situation as an 'armed conflict' with drug cartels. Nevertheless, the administration is facing increasing questions from lawmakers, particularly regarding a controversial follow-up strike conducted in early September.

(With inputs from agencies.)