US strikes suspected smuggling vessel – three killed

The US military announced on Friday that it had intercepted a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean allegedly carrying "narco-terrorists". Three men were killed in the operation. It is the latest such incident in recent months.

In a post on X, the military said the vessel was "involved in drug smuggling operations".

Since September last year, the White House has authorised military strikes on suspect vessels in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific. President Trump has justified the campaign by saying he wants to curb international drug smuggling.

Critics argue that the approach is controversial and may not comply with international law.

(reuters)