The United States military carried out strikes on three suspected drug-smuggling boats, resulting in the deaths of 11 people. The operations formed part of an ongoing campaign that began in September. The campaign targets small vessels that U.S. officials have linked to drug trafficking activities.
The latest strikes raised the reported death toll to at least 145 people since the start of the effort. U.S. authorities have described the targeted vessels as drug boats. Military officials have not released the identities or nationalities of the individuals killed in the most recent actions. Details on the precise locations of the strikes have not been disclosed.
The administration’s campaign against alleged drug boats has focused on smaller, often fast-moving vessels. These are commonly used in maritime trafficking routes. Officials have stated that such boats pose a challenge to law enforcement and surveillance due to their size and speed. The military has been using air and naval assets to locate and engage the boats at sea.
According to U.S. officials, the operations are part of a broader strategy to disrupt the supply chains of illegal narcotics. The campaign has centered on international waters and areas where maritime drug routes are known or suspected. Military sources report that the vessels targeted are believed to be transporting drugs or supporting trafficking networks.
The figure of at least 145 deaths since September reflects the cumulative toll from a series of similar strikes. Officials have described the operations as ongoing. They have not provided a breakdown of casualties by incident. The number includes those killed on multiple vessels over several months of activity.
Authorities have not reported any U.S. casualties connected to the strikes on the alleged drug boats. No damage to U.S. military platforms has been publicly confirmed in relation to the campaign. The Pentagon has not disclosed whether any individuals survived the latest incidents or were taken into custody.
Government representatives have said that intelligence-gathering plays a central role in selecting targets. They refer to a combination of surveillance, monitoring of shipping patterns and other classified methods. The military actions aim to intercept vessels that are judged to be engaged in narcotics trafficking or linked to drug networks.
Information about the type of munitions used against the boats has not been made public. Officials have not stated whether the strikes came from aircraft, surface ships, or unmanned systems. They have cited operational security in limiting the release of tactical details.
The campaign against alleged drug boats continues alongside other U.S. counter-narcotics efforts. These operations include cooperation with foreign governments, maritime patrols and law enforcement actions. The strikes on small vessels form only one part of a broader framework that addresses drug production, transit and distribution.
Public information on the legal framework for the strikes remains limited. U.S. officials have pointed to long-standing authorities for counter-narcotics missions and maritime security. They have not provided detailed public documentation on each individual strike. There is no official public roster of the vessels that have been hit.
The U.S. military has not announced any change to the pace or scope of operations following the latest deaths. Officials have indicated that monitoring of suspected trafficking routes will continue. The reported death toll of at least 145 people since September remains the most current figure available from official briefings and related statements.