A U.S. military drone strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean resulted in the deaths of two individuals suspected of drug smuggling, according to reports released Tuesday. The operation, authorized by the President, targeted a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization operating in international waters.
This strike marks the sixteenth instance of its kind since a policy of directly targeting suspected drug smuggling boats was initiated. The cumulative effect of these operations has been the reported deaths of at least sixty-six individuals believed to be involved in narcotics trafficking, with three others surviving encounters.
Prior to the strike, intelligence sources reportedly confirmed the vessel’s involvement in illicit drug smuggling along a well-established trafficking route. The vessel was believed to be carrying a significant quantity of narcotics destined for the United States.
Officials stated that no U.S. personnel were injured during the operation. The two fatalities were identified as male individuals believed to be key figures within the targeted organization.
The incident underscores a hardening stance against drug trafficking, with a commitment to aggressively pursue and neutralize vessels involved in bringing narcotics into the country. The stated goal is to safeguard American citizens from the dangers of illegal drugs.
This action is part of a broader, escalating U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. Bombers, warships, and Marine units have been deployed as part of an expanded campaign focused on dismantling drug-trafficking networks operating near Venezuela.
A dedicated task force has been established by Southern Command, representing the most substantial U.S. military effort in the Caribbean in decades. Its mission is to disrupt cartel operations, halt the flow of narcotics, and enhance the security of the United States.
