Three individuals were killed after the US military launched an attack on yet another suspected drug-smuggling vessel operating in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This latest action in the global war on narcotics contributes to mounting concern over the human cost of these intense interdiction operations.
According to US media reports, the Pentagon confirmed in a statement that the vessel was targeted because it was allegedly involved in the smuggling of narcotics. The operation was carried out in international waters, maintaining the official US justification for the strike.
This recent incident marks the 21st such attack conducted by the US military against drug-carrying vessels since September. Media reports indicate that the total number of fatalities resulting from this campaign has now climbed to 83.
The United States defends the sustained operation as a legitimate effort to curb the flow of illegal narcotics into American territory. Authorities have confirmed that a variety of modern military assets, including fighter jets, drones, and gunships, are being utilized to intercept and neutralize the smuggling boats.
