Courtesy of US Southern Command/X | via CNN

 

The US military has conducted its 21st known strike on a drug-trafficking vessel, killing three men aboard, as announced by the US Southern Command. Intelligence revealed the vessel was involved in narcotics smuggling along a known route, prompting the military action in international waters of the Eastern Pacific. This strike raises the total number of fatalities from US military actions on alleged drug boats to 83.

 

The military's ongoing campaign, using fighter jets, drones, and gunships, aims to disrupt drug flow into the United States. Just days prior, the Defense Department disclosed executing another strike, making this operation part of a rapid succession. The United States Justice Department maintains the administration does not require Congressional approval, though some experts question the legality under US and international law.

 

Tensions have risen over these operations as allies express concern. The United Kingdom ceased sharing intelligence about suspected drug-trafficking boats with the US, fearing complicity in potentially illegal actions. Similarly, Colombia's president has halted intelligence sharing with the US, demanding an end to the attacks before resuming cooperation, reported CNN.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• US Southern Command confirms strike on drug-trafficking boat, killing three.
• Total fatalities from US strikes on drug boats now stand at 83.
• Allies like the UK and Colombia have cut intelligence ties over the legality of strikes.

 

Related news

US Forces Kill 14 in Pacific Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-11-17

 

 

No word here of the boat's positioning . . . just "along a known route".

 

Shocking ! 83 deaths now on these alleged 'drug boats'.

 

Trump sues the BBC for a mistake no-one in the USA heard yet murders 83 poor Folks without a thought. MMmmm, That just about sums him up !!

1 hour ago, TorquayFan said:

No word here of the boat's positioning . . . just "along a known route".

 

Shocking ! 83 deaths now on these alleged 'drug boats'.

 

Trump sues the BBC for a mistake no-one in the USA heard yet murders 83 poor Folks without a thought. MMmmm, That just about sums him up !!

2 of the boats I recognized as obious small scale fishing boats…..single main engine with small kicker for emergency…im all for sending cartel members to a hell hole prison AFTER it’s proven.