US Launches New Strike On Suspected Drug Boat, Bringing Death Toll To 99

The United States military conducted another strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific on Wednesday (December 17), killing four individuals described as "narco-terrorists" by the U.S. Southern Command. This latest operation brings the total death toll from such strikes to 99 since the campaign began on September 2.

The vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was engaged in drug trafficking operations.

The strikes have sparked controversy and legal scrutiny. Some lawmakers and experts argue that the operations may be illegal under international law, citing a "double tap" strike in September that killed two survivors of an initial attack. Despite these concerns, Republican lawmakers recently voted down resolutions aimed at curtailing these military actions.

The Pentagon has faced increasing pressure to provide transparency, with the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the release of unedited footage of the strikes. If the Secretary of Defense does not comply, Congress may withhold a portion of his travel budget.