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U.S. Military Kills 3 in Pacific Drug Strike, Toll Hits 190

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The U.S. military struck a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, killing three people in what officials described as an operation against narco-trafficking. U.S. Southern Command, led by Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, announced the strike in a social media post, citing intelligence indicating the vessel was operating on known drug trafficking routes. A 28-second video showed the attack on the moving boat.

This marks the second strike in two days, bringing the death toll to at least 190 in the monthslong campaign. The Trump administration has accelerated its pace, attacking seven boats last month alone. Since September, the U.S. has struck 56 boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific as part of its campaign against alleged drug smugglers.

The administration has not provided evidence that the boats targeted are involved in drug smuggling. Military experts have criticized the strikes as illegal, extrajudicial killings. The campaign continues despite the controversy and questions about its legal basis.