US strike kills one, spares two on Pacific drug boat

The U.S. military conducted a strike on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, killing one person and leaving two survivors. U.S. Southern Command posted video on social media showing a boat speeding across the water before exploding into flames. Officials said they immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate a search and rescue system for the survivors.

This incident is part of a broader campaign of strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats in Latin American waters that began in early September. According to military statements, the operations, which have targeted vessels in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, have resulted in at least 194 fatalities to date. The military has not publicly provided evidence confirming that any of the vessels destroyed were carrying illicit drugs.

The ongoing campaign has prompted an internal review by the Pentagon's inspector general. Officials announced last week that the watchdog office will evaluate whether the military followed the established six-phase Joint Targeting Cycle, which includes steps from a commander's intent through post-strike assessment. The inspector general's office...