U.S. Strike on Suspected Eastern Pacific Drug Boat Kills 2
On a recent Friday, the U.S. military announced it executed a strike on a vessel linked to drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This marked the first military action following a significant operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. U.S. Southern Command reported the boat was “engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” resulting in two fatalities and one survivor from the attack.
The U.S. military has been actively working to thwart drug trafficking networks, especially in South American waters. The vessel was tracked along well-known smuggling routes, prompting a decisive military response. After the strike, the U.S. Coast Guard was alerted to initiate search and rescue operations for the survivor.
Details of the U.S. Strike
- Date of Incident: Recent Friday
- Location: Eastern Pacific Ocean
- Causalities: 2 dead; 1 survivor
- Notified Agency: U.S. Coast Guard
A video released alongside the announcement captured the vessel before it explosively disintegrated in the water. This strike comes as part of a larger effort that has seen 36 documented military actions against suspected drug smuggling boats since early September, resulting in at least 117 casualties. The majority of these operations have targeted vessels in the Caribbean Sea.
Background on Military Operations
Prior to this attack, December saw a flurry of military activity, where five boats were struck, leading to the death of eight individuals. In early January, a significant operation in Caracas resulted in the arrest of Maduro and his wife, who have since faced federal drug trafficking charges in New York.
These U.S. military operations have sparked controversy, with Maduro claiming they are part of a broader strategy to undermine his government. U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that these strikes are effectively disrupting drug trafficking routes, emphasizing a dramatic reduction in waterborne drug transportation.
Impact of U.S. Strikes
Trump remarked at the World Economic Forum in Davos that these military efforts have “virtually stopped almost 100 percent of all drugs coming in by water.” This claim illustrates the U.S. government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking in the region and highlights the ongoing tension between the U.S. and Venezuelan authorities.
