U.S. military strikes 5 more alleged drug boats, killing 8

Published: Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 2:44 am

U.S. Military Conducts Further Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats, Raising Concerns

Washington – The U.S. military has conducted a series of strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals over the past two days. The U.S. Southern Command, responsible for operations in South America, announced the attacks, which occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday. The exact locations of the strikes were not disclosed, but previous operations have taken place in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean.

According to the military, the initial attack on Tuesday targeted three boats traveling in close formation, a pattern deemed unusual. The military claimed the vessels were engaged in transferring narcotics along known trafficking routes before the strikes, though no evidence was provided to support this assertion. Three individuals were killed in the first strike, while those on the other two boats reportedly jumped overboard. The U.S. Coast Guard was notified to initiate search and rescue efforts, but the outcome of these efforts remains unclear.

Wednesday's operation involved two additional boats, resulting in the deaths of five more individuals. The military again cited alleged drug smuggling along established trafficking routes, without providing supporting evidence. Videos released on social media depicted a boat in the water and explosions.

These recent attacks bring the total number of boat strikes to 35 and the death toll to at least 115 since early September, according to figures released by the Trump administration. The President has defended these actions as a necessary measure to combat the flow of drugs into the United States, characterizing the situation as an "armed conflict" with drug cartels.

These military actions are part of a broader strategy, which includes an increased military presence in the region and is seen as an escalation of pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Additionally, a CIA-led drone strike was carried out last week at a docking area believed to be used by Venezuelan drug cartels, marking the first direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the strikes began in September.

BNN's Perspective: While the administration's efforts to curb drug trafficking are understandable, the increasing use of military force and the lack of transparency surrounding these operations raise serious questions. The absence of concrete evidence to support the claims of drug smuggling, coupled with the high death toll and the potential for civilian casualties, warrants careful scrutiny and a commitment to upholding international law and human rights.

Keywords: U.S. military, drug boats, strikes, deaths, South America, Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean, drug trafficking, Trump administration, Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, CIA, drone strike, armed conflict.

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