The United States military carried out a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea on Monday, killing three people, according to the US Southern Command. The military said intelligence confirmed the vessel was operating along known narcotics trafficking routes and was involved in illegal drug transport. A video released by the command showed the small boat being destroyed during the operation.
This latest strike brings the reported death toll to at least 151 since the Trump administration began targeting suspected traffickers at sea in September. President Donald Trump has described the campaign as part of an “armed conflict” against Latin American drug cartels, arguing that stronger military action is necessary to curb drug flow into the United States.
However, the operations have sparked controversy and criticism. Opponents question the legality of the strikes and point out that much of the fentanyl entering the US is trafficked over land through Mexico, with precursor chemicals originating from China and India. Legal experts and some lawmakers have also raised concerns about civilian casualties and whether such strikes violate international law. The debate continues as the administration defends the campaign as essential for national security.
