Three killed in US strike on alleged drug boat in eastern Pacific

WorldPolitics
27 Apr 2026 • 5:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Three killed in US strike on alleged drug boat in eastern Pacific

  • A recent US military strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean resulted in three deaths on a boat the US Southern Command claimed was transporting drugs.
  • This strike is part of a controversial campaign, initiated in early September, targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels across Latin American and Caribbean waters.
  • The campaign has led to at least 186 fatalities, with the military providing no evidence that any destroyed vessels were carrying illicit drugs.
  • President Donald Trump has justified these attacks as an "armed conflict" against cartels, aiming to stem the flow of drugs into the United States.
  • Critics, including lawmakers, human rights groups, and UN officials, question the legality and effectiveness of these strikes, citing a lack of public evidence and potential violations of international law.

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