U.S. strikes another alleged drug-smuggling boat in eastern Pacific

"The U.S. military said Monday that it had conducted another strike against a boat it said was smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing one person. In a social media post, U.S. Southern Command said, "Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations." Southern Command provided no evidence that the vessel was engaged in drug smuggling."

"Southern Command provided no evidence that the vessel was engaged in drug smuggling. A video posted by U.S. Southern Command shows splashes of water near one side of the boat. After a second salvo, the rear of the boat catches fire. More splashes engulf the craft and the fire grows. In the final second of the video, the vessel can be seen adrift with a large patch of fire alongside it."

"Earlier videos of U.S. boat strikes showed vessels suddenly exploding, suggesting missile strikes. Some strike videos even had visible rocket-like projectiles coming down on the boats. The Trump administration has said the strikes were meant to stop the flow of drugs into the U.S. and increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. At least 105 people have been killed in 29 known strikes since early September."

U.S. military conducted a strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, killing one person. U.S. Southern Command said intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting known narco-trafficking routes and engaged in narco-trafficking operations but provided no evidence. A video shows splashes near the boat, a second salvo, the rear catching fire, and the vessel adrift with a large fire alongside. Earlier strike videos showed sudden explosions and visible rocket-like projectiles. The administration said the strikes aim to stop drug flow and pressure President Nicolas Maduro. At least 105 people have died in 29 known strikes; lawmakers and human rights advocates call for scrutiny. The U.S. Coast Guard has increased tanker interdictions in the Caribbean as part of the campaign against Maduro.

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