US strikes alleged drug-trafficking vessel in Eastern Pacific, killing 2

The US military struck an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific on Wednesday, killing two people, said the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

"Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations," SOUTHCOM said in a post on the US social media platform X.

It added that the strike targeted a vessel that was operated by what it described as designated terrorist organizations.

"Two male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed," it said.

The incident is part of a broader military campaign targeting alleged drug-running boats in the region that has killed more than 200 people in more than 60 strikes since last September.

Legal experts and rights groups have warned that the strikes are illegal under international law and could amount to extrajudicial killings, arguing they appear to target civilians.