The U.S. carried out another strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific on Saturday, killing three people. US Southern Command stated the vessel was moving along a known narcotics route in international waters and was hit by Joint Task Force Southern Spear after intelligence confirmed it was involved in smuggling.

 

 

This marks the 21st U.S. attack on drug boats since early September, with more than 80 people killed in the operations. The Trump administration says the strikes are necessary to curb narcotics flowing into the U.S. However, lawmakers, human rights groups and U.S. allies have questioned the legality of the campaign. The administration maintains it has authority for the strikes, citing a Justice Department opinion claiming U.S. personnel involved are immune from prosecution.