US strikes 3 alleged drug vessels and leaves survivors -- now a search-and-rescue operation
ABC News••nation
Key Points:
- On December 30, U.S. Southern Command targeted three vessels in international waters in the Eastern Pacific, killing three "narco-terrorists" and causing others to abandon ship, with at least six survivors reported.
- The U.S. Coast Guard initiated a search and rescue operation for the survivors, deploying C-130 aircraft and coordinating with nearby vessels to assist those in distress.
- Additional strikes occurred on New Year's Eve against two more vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, resulting in five deaths; these actions are part of a broader campaign with at least 34 strikes and 115 deaths since September.
- The U.S. military asserts that targeted vessels were operated by designated terrorist organizations engaged in narcotics trafficking along known routes.
