Americans attacked boats in the Pacific again: Five people died

The US military announced that it destroyed boats suspected of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing five people and leaving one survivor.

Americans attacked boats in the Pacific again: Five people died

TL;DR

  • US military destroyed suspected drug smuggling boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
  • Five people were killed, and one survived.
  • This operation is part of a broader campaign against alleged narco-terrorists initiated in September.
  • The number of casualties in similar strikes has reached at least 168.
  • US Southern Command notified the Coast Guard to activate search and rescue for the survivor.
  • President Trump views the US as being in an 'armed conflict' with Latin American cartels.
  • He justifies these strikes as essential to stop drug flow and fatal overdoses in the US.
  • Attacks on Pacific vessels continue despite the US military's focus on the Middle East.
  • Separately, Trump announced the US Navy would blockade ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz following failed US-Iran ceasefire talks.