Summary
The US military has carried out its fifth strike in a week against boats it says are linked to drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific, killing three people in the latest attack. These strikes have caused at least 177 deaths, but some groups and experts question whether the targeted boats were involved in drug smuggling and raise concerns about the legality of the attacks.
Key Facts
- The US southern command reported a strike killing three men on a boat in the eastern Pacific.
- This was the fifth such deadly strike by the US in as many days on alleged drug-trafficking vessels.
- Since these operations began, at least 177 people have been killed.
- President Donald Trump’s administration calls those targeted “narco-terrorists” but has not provided clear proof of their drug trafficking activities.
- Legal experts and rights groups say the strikes may be unlawful killings, possibly targeting civilians.
- A lawsuit was filed in January on behalf of families of men killed in a previous strike, claiming no legal justification.
- Some US lawmakers have expressed concern about the strikes and raised human rights questions.
- These operations continue even while the US military is focused on conflicts in the Middle East.
