Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 21: The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) said it sank a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, with three people on board surviving the strike.

According to the command, intelligence indicated that the low-profile boat was operating along known narcotics routes and was allegedly involved in drug trafficking, with links to designated terrorist organisations. Following the strike, authorities alerted the United States Coast Guard to carry out search and rescue operations for the survivors. No US personnel were injured in the operation.

Officials revealed that since September 2025, US forces have carried out 46 airstrikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels, resulting in at least 157 fatalities, as part of ongoing efforts to curb narcotics smuggling.

However, the effectiveness of such operations has been questioned. USSOUTHCOM Commander Francis Donovan told the Senate Armed Services Committee that while these strikes are one tool, they are not a comprehensive solution to the United States’ drug challenges. He emphasized the need for a broader, multi-faceted strategy rather than relying primarily on kinetic military action.

Concerns over the legality and humanitarian impact of these strikes have also been raised. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights recently held discussions on the issue, examining their effects on communities across Latin America.

Earlier incidents highlight the scale of the campaign. On March 8, a similar strike in the eastern Pacific killed six people, while operations in February targeting vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean reportedly resulted in 11 deaths.

The developments underscore ongoing debates around the balance between security operations and humanitarian considerations in efforts to combat international drug trafficking.