US military says five killed in strike on alleged drug boats. A US military strike killed five people on Wednesday. The target was two boats allegedly carrying drugs. US Southern Command announced the operation. The location of the strike remains undisclosed.
This action follows a similar strike on Tuesday. That strike targeted three vessels, killing at least three. US forces have been targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels for three months. These operations occur in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
The Trump administration frames these actions as a non-international armed conflict. Legal experts question the legality of these strikes. They cite potential violations of conflict laws.
Since September 2, the US has conducted over 30 strikes. These strikes are part of the "war on drugs." Over 110 people have died in these operations. The initial attack occurred in international waters.
The US military will likely continue these operations. Further strikes on suspected drug vessels are anticipated. The legal and ethical debate surrounding these actions will continue.
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