The U.S. military carried out a naval attack on a ship accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in two deaths and an ongoing search for one survivor.
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) stated that intelligence confirmed the vessel had traveled known drug trafficking routes and was involved in narcotics operations before being struck in international waters of the Pacific.
A video released by SOUTHCOM on social media showed multiple-engine boats exploding and catching fire, serving as evidence of the attack under U.S. government policy described as part of efforts to curb maritime drug smuggling.
This operation marks the first military strike in the Pacific region since the U.S. detained Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in an operation in Caracas earlier in January, which sparked debate over international politics and law.
Although the U.S. government labeled the targets as "narco-terrorists," no clear evidence has been disclosed proving the ship carried drugs, prompting international law experts and human rights groups to question whether this attack might constitute an extrajudicial killing.
In addition to this incident, the U.S. is preparing to host a meeting of military leaders from 34 Western Hemisphere countries in Washington on 11 Feb to strengthen security cooperation and combat transnational crime, focusing on joint efforts to suppress drug trafficking and regional stability threats.
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