{"id":21349,"date":"2025-12-05T19:02:58","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T19:02:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=21349"},"modified":"2025-12-05T19:02:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T19:02:58","slug":"u-s-carries-out-another-strike-on-suspected-drug-smuggling-vessel-in-eastern-pacific-killing-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=21349","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Carries Out Another Strike On Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel In Eastern Pacific, Killing 4"},"content":{"rendered":"

U.S. Carries Out Another Strike On Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel In Eastern Pacific, Killing 4
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Screengrab from X video posted by U.S. Southern Command<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The United States carried out another deadly strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Eastern Pacific on Thursday, killing four people.<\/p>\n

The attack added to growing political pressure over the country\u2019s ongoing maritime operations, which have now killed at least 87 people since early September.<\/p>\n

US Southern Command said the latest strike was part of Operation Southern Spear, the Trump administration\u2019s campaign against what it describes as \u201cnarco-terrorists.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the command, the boat was in international waters, was believed to be operated by a designated terrorist organisation, and was travelling on a known narcotics route. The military also released a short video showing the vessel being struck.<\/p>\n

The new attack happened as lawmakers were being shown classified video from a separate 2 September incident that has caused major controversy. In that case, a US strike destroyed a suspected drug boat, and a second strike killed two survivors who were holding onto floating debris.<\/p>\n

After watching the footage, Democratic Representative Jim Himes told colleagues that the video was one of the most troubling things he had seen in public service.<\/p>\n

He said it showed two people in clear distress who were later killed. Republican Congressman Don Bacon said he did not believe the survivors posed an \u201cimminent threat,\u201d which is required under US rules.<\/p>\n

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On Dec. 4, at the direction of @SecWar<\/a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in international waters operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/pqksvxM3HP<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) December 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n