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Boats

US Military Strikes Another Boat in Eastern Pacific, Death Toll from Anti-Narcotics Campaign Rises to at Least 62

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The US military on Wednesday struck another boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four people, according to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. This incident brings the death toll from Washington's controversial anti-narcotics campaign to at least 62. The strike occurred in international waters, and a video accompanying Hegseth's post showed a boat floating stationary in the water before a large explosion and subsequent fire. The US military's actions have been met with criticism from experts, who say the attacks amount to extrajudicial killings even if they target known traffickers. Washington has yet to make public any evidence that its targets were smuggling narcotics or posed a threat to the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US military has struck another boat in the eastern Pacific, killing four people, bringing the death toll from Washington's anti-narcotics campaign to at least 62.
  • The strike occurred in international waters, and a video accompanying Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth's post showed a boat exploding and catching fire.
  • Experts have criticized the US military's actions, saying they amount to extrajudicial killings even if they target known traffickers.
  • Washington has yet to make public any evidence that its targets were smuggling narcotics or posed a threat to the United States.
  • The US military has deployed seven Navy warships and F-35 stealth warplanes to the region as part of its anti-drug operation.
  • Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has intercepted three planes allegedly used for drug trafficking and has sought to showcase Venezuela's anti-drug efforts in the face of a massive US military deployment.

Statistics:

  • At least 62 people have been killed in the US military's anti-narcotics campaign.
  • Four people were killed in Wednesday's strike.
  • Seven US Navy warships and F-35 stealth warplanes have been deployed to the region.
  • The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group has been ordered to the region.
  • Venezuela has intercepted three planes allegedly used for drug trafficking.

Sources:

  • X (Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth's post)
  • AFP (Original article published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange)

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