U.S. Strike Kills 2 Drug Suspects in Caribbean Sea

The U.S. military conducted an aerial strike on a boat in the Caribbean Sea on Monday, killing two men accused of drug trafficking, as part of an ongoing campaign against suspected smuggling vessels that has resulted in at least 187 deaths since early September.

U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in Latin America, Central America, and the Caribbean, announced the strike. Officials stated the vessel was traveling along known smuggling routes in international waters, based on intelligence indicating drug trafficking activity. The command released video footage showing a projectile striking the boat, which erupted in flames. The operation was ordered by Gen. Francis L. Donovan, head of Southern Command.

This incident marks at least the 50th strike in the campaign, which has also targeted boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The total death toll now stands at a minimum of 187, according to military statements. The administration has described the targets as narcoterrorists and notified Congress that the United States is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels operating in the region. President Donald Trump has defended the actions as essential to...