US launches strikes on 4 alleged drug-running boats in the eastern Pacific, killing 14

"Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that the U.S. military has carried out strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean on four boats accused of carrying drugs, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor in the deadliest single day since the Trump administration began its divisive campaign against drug trafficking in the waters off South America. It was the first time multiple strikes were announced in a single day as the pace of the attacks has escalated."

"The nearly two-month campaign and U.S. military buildup have strained ties with allies in the region and opened speculation that the moves are aimed at ousting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom the U.S. has accused of narcoterrorism. A statement provided by a Pentagon official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss the operation, said the strikes were conducted Monday off the coast of Colombia. Following one attack on a boat, the military spotted a person in the water clinging to some wreckage."

"The military passed the survivor's precise location to the U.S. Coast Guard and a Mexican military aircraft that was operating in the area, the official said. However, the Mexican navy says it is searching about 400 miles southwest of the Pacific city of Acapulco, suggesting the possibility that the strike may have taken place far away from Colombia and closer to Mexico's coast. It wasn't immediately clear exactly where the strike took place, and the Pentagon did not give more details."

U.S. military conducted strikes in the eastern Pacific on four boats accused of carrying drugs, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor. The strikes represent the deadliest single day since the Trump administration began its campaign against drug trafficking in waters off South America. The nearly two-month campaign and U.S. military buildup have strained ties with regional allies and prompted speculation that the operations aim to pressure or oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, accused by the U.S. of narcoterrorism. Operational details remain limited and location reports conflict between off Colombia and roughly 400 miles southwest of Acapulco. After one attack a person was seen clinging to wreckage and coordinates were relayed to U.S. and Mexican rescue assets, while Mexico continues search-and-rescue efforts and criticizes the strikes.

Read at www.eastbaytimes.com