The latest attack brings the number of people killed as a result of US military strikes on boats of alleged drug traffickers to at least 163 people since the beginning of September. Donald Trump's administration then began operations targeting vessels belonging to people referred to as “narco-terrorists”.
As highlighted by the Associated Press, the latest attack occurred at a time when the Trump administration continues its campaign against drug traffickers in Latin America while conducting military operations against Iran.
As with most statements about operations in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, U.S. Southern Command said the attack targeted alleged drug traffickers traveling through known smuggling routes. It was reported that “four terrorists” were killed. However, according to the AP, the armed forces did not provide evidence that the unit actually transported drugs. The video published on X shows a boat being destroyed by a powerful explosion.
Donald Trump at war with the cartels
Critics have questioned both the legality of the boat attacks and their effectiveness. They point out that fentanyl, the cause of many tragic overdoses, is usually smuggled into the US by land from Mexico, where it is manufactured from intermediates imported from China and India.
The AP notes that boat strikes in Latin America continue even as the U.S. military focuses on operations in the Middle East. Warships and planes are conducting massive attacks on Iran there, and additional marine units and soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are preparing to transfer or are already on their way to the conflict area.
