In a recent development, the U.S. military has revealed that alleged drug smugglers jumped overboard from two boats during a series of strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This incident occurred on Tuesday, with the U.S. Southern Command confirming that three narco-trafficking vessels were targeted in international waters. The initial strike resulted in the deaths of three individuals on the first boat, prompting the remaining drug traffickers to abandon the other two vessels and take to the water. The U.S. Coast Guard was promptly notified for search-and-rescue operations, with a C-130 aircraft en route to provide further assistance.
According to U.S. officials, up to eight people abandoned the remaining two vessels, and a 46-second video of the strikes did not appear to show any survivors in the water. The U.S. military's campaign against alleged drug smugglers has been ongoing for months, with Wednesday's strikes resulting in the deaths of five more people, bringing the total death toll to at least 115. The Trump administration's handling of survivors has faced scrutiny, with critics accusing them of potential war crimes.
The controversy surrounding these strikes has sparked debates among members of Congress, particularly Democrats, who have called for reining in the boat strikes as part of the Trump administration's escalating pressure against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The administration has accused Maduro of drug trafficking and collaborating with gangs designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S., claims that Maduro denies. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the legality of the strikes and their potential to lead to war with Venezuela.
Despite the criticism, many Republicans have defended the strikes, and both critics and defenders have called for the release of the video from the Sept. 2 follow-up strike, which resulted in the deaths of two survivors. However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that the Pentagon has no plans to release the video, citing potential security concerns.
