WASHINGTON (TNND) — Three people accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Thursday were killed by the U.S. military as the Trump administration continues its monthslong campaign against alleged traffickers in Latin America.
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said on social media it targeted the alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes and shared a video of a boat speeding through the water before being struck and bursting into flames.
The latest attack brings the number of people killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 211 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists†in early September.
President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in “armed conflict†with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and reduce fatal overdoses.
The campaign has drawn increasing scrutiny from lawmakers. Senators recently cut Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget until the Pentagon provides “unedited video” of the strikes.
Much of that concern stems from the military's first strike in early September, which drew particular criticism after two men on a boat initially survived the attack that killed nine others. The men were clinging to the wreckage when the U.S. struck again, killing them.
The White House defended the strike as “self-defense” to ensure the boat was destroyed and said it was conducted in accordance with the laws of armed conflict.
The controversy has also prompted additional oversight. Last month, the Defense Department inspector general said it would examine whether the military followed its established targeting procedures during attacks on the alleged drug-smuggling boats. The framework, known as the Joint Targeting Cycle, includes commander intent, target development, analysis, decision-making, execution and assessment.
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Editor’s note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.
