US Military Strikes Kill 11 Suspected Drug Traffickers in Eastern Pacific and Caribbean

Washington D.C. – The US military has killed 11 people in airstrikes against three boats suspected of involvement in drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean region. The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) carried out the operation late Monday night, announcing the action on Tuesday.

According to the military's claim, the vessels were operating along known drug trafficking routes. The military referred to those aboard as narco-terrorists. Two boats were targeted in the Eastern Pacific region, and one in the Caribbean Sea. Four individuals were reportedly killed on the first and second boats, and three on the third. SOUTHCOM stated that no US service members were harmed in the operation.

This attack is part of a US campaign that began in September 2025. Various international media outlets report that the death toll in the campaign has now surpassed at least 135 following these recent actions. Similar small boats were targeted in previous strikes.

However, these operations are not without controversy. Legal experts and some members of the US Congress have raised questions about the campaign from the perspective of international law and human rights. Criticism suggests that such strikes could constitute excessive use of force against civilians in the absence of a formal declaration of war by the United States.

Previously, drug control efforts were primarily handled by law enforcement agencies and the Coast Guard, which in most cases conducted operations without resorting to lethal force. The current military strategy has intensified international debate and political controversy.