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US military says strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat kills two
Al Jazeera • • general
Key Points:
- The US military conducted a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people, as part of efforts to combat narco-trafficking under Operation Southern Spear.
- US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed the vessel's active involvement in drug trafficking and emphasized the operation as a demonstration of their commitment to disrupt and dismantle cartel operations.
- The strike was directed by SOUTHCOM Commander General Francis L. Donovan, who highlighted the US resolve to prevent narco-terrorists from operating in the Western Hemisphere and protect American communities.
- Since the launch of Operation Southern Spear in September, over 200 people have been killed in similar strikes, but the Trump administration has not provided definitive proof of the vessels' involvement in drug trafficking.
- Legal experts and rights groups have raised concerns that these attacks may constitute extrajudicial killings, and the Pentagon’s inspector general is reviewing whether standard targeting procedures were followed.
