The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said in a statement that intelligence data showed that the boat was used for drug smuggling and was sailing along a route used for this purpose in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean.
Two people, described in the statement as “narco-terrorists”, died in the attack, and one survived. The coast guard was informed about the incident to launch a search and rescue operation, the command said.
How many people died in the boat attack?
Who carried out the attack on the alleged smugglers' boat?
What were the suspicions about the attacked boat?
Who survived the attack?
Since the beginning of September, American forces have carried out dozens of attacks on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific Seas suspected of carrying drugs. More than 120 people died there.
“Killing outside the justice system”
US President Donald Trump recognizes that the United States is officially engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, the goal of which – as he declared – is to fight “narco-terrorists” in the Western Hemisphere. The mission is led by U.S. Southern Command, which is responsible for Latin America except Mexico.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Volker Tuerk said the attacks violated international law and amounted to “killing outside the justice system.”
