MIAMI, WASHINGTON – Three men have been killed following a U.S. military strike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, according to the United States Southern Command.
The incident marks the second deadly operation of its kind this month. On April 14, four people were killed during a similar strike targeting a suspected smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
U.S. authorities say the vessels involved are part of known drug trafficking routes and are linked to organized criminal networks operating across the region. The operations form part of an intensified campaign against maritime drug trafficking that has been underway since September 2025.
According to official figures, more than 160 people have been killed in such operations since the campaign began. The increased use of military force at sea follows directives issued under the administration of President Donald Trump.
The strikes, which take place in international waters, have drawn criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that these operations may violate international law and raise concerns about the use of lethal force without judicial oversight.
The Caribbean remains a key transit corridor for drug trafficking between South America and North America, making it a focal point for international anti-narcotics efforts. However, the escalation in military interventions is likely to continue fueling debate over the balance between security enforcement and legal accountability.