A U.S. strike has targeted another suspected drug-carrying vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The Pentagon announced on Sunday (November 16) that three people on board the boat were killed, according to a report from Reuters.
In a post on social media, the U.S. Southern Command stated that the vessel was in international waters and, based on intelligence, was transporting illegal narcotics along a known drug-trafficking route. The operation was conducted by the Joint Task Force “Southern Spear.”
This was the 21st attack on drug-carrying boats by U.S. military forces since early September. According to Pentagon estimates, over 80 people have been killed in these operations so far.
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers, human rights organizations, and allied countries have raised questions about the legality of these strikes. However, the Trump administration claims the operations are authorized based on legal opinions from the Department of Justice, and that military personnel involved will not face prosecution.
On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the alleged drug cartel “Cartel de los Soles” will be designated as a “foreign terrorist organization.” This designation would make it a crime for anyone in the U.S. to assist the group.
U.S. officials have alleged that the Cartel de los Soles works with the criminal gang “Tren de Aragua” to smuggle drugs into the United States.
The Trump administration has also claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leads the Cartel de los Soles — a claim Maduro denies. The Pentagon has already deployed warships, fighter jets, and a nuclear submarine to the Caribbean region, as the U.S. considers potential military action against Maduro’s government.
