Summary
The U.S. military conducted a strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean, resulting in the death of three individuals. This strike is part of an ongoing U.S. campaign against drug trafficking, which has faced international criticism and increased scrutiny from lawmakers. The U.S. claims these operations are necessary to stop drug flows into the country.
Key Facts
- The U.S. military killed three people in a strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean.
- No U.S. military personnel were harmed in the strike.
- Since early September, U.S. forces have killed more than 150 people in similar operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
- This recent strike is part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking into the United States.
- International experts and some former officials argue these strikes may be illegal under international law.
- There has been congressional scrutiny of these operations, especially after reports of the killing of survivors from a previous strike.
- U.S. operations slowed in January after the capture of Venezuela's former leader, Nicolás Maduro, on narco-terrorism charges.
