The United States military said two people were killed after a strike targeted an alleged drug trafficking vessel operating in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. According to official statements, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt transnational criminal networks involved in narcotics smuggling toward North America.
US officials said the vessel was identified during routine maritime surveillance and was suspected of transporting illegal drugs. After monitoring its movements, the military determined the boat posed a significant role in drug trafficking operations and decided to take action in coordination with regional partners operating in international waters.
The strike was carried out under established counter-narcotics authorities, the US military said, emphasizing that the operation aimed to stop the flow of illicit drugs rather than target civilians. Authorities added that multiple warnings were issued before the engagement, though details about the sequence of events were not fully disclosed.
Following the strike, two individuals on board the suspected drug boat were confirmed dead. The US military said there were no American casualties and that further assessments were underway to determine the full impact of the operation. Officials did not immediately confirm whether drugs were recovered from the vessel.
The Eastern Pacific is considered a major transit route for cocaine and other narcotics produced in South America. Smuggling groups often use fast boats and semi-submersible vessels to evade detection, prompting frequent patrols by US and allied forces tasked with maritime security and drug interdiction.
US military officials said operations against drug trafficking networks would continue, stressing that such missions are critical to regional stability and international security. They also stated that cooperation with partner nations remains essential, as authorities work to dismantle criminal supply chains operating across borders and open seas.
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