Washington: A US strike targeted a boat "involved in drug trafficking operations" in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of six men. This incident adds to a series of similar strikes by the United States on vessels allegedly used for drug smuggling.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the US operations, which commenced in September, have led to the deaths of over 150 individuals. These actions have sparked controversy as Washington has not provided evidence to substantiate its claims that these boats are involved in drug smuggling activities.

General Francis Donovan, commander of US Southern Command, shared on X, "Intelligence confirmed that the boat was traveling along known drug trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific and was engaged in drug trafficking operations." This statement highlights the US's reliance on intelligence to justify its military actions in international waters.

Critics, including international law experts and human rights organizations, have raised concerns that these strikes might constitute extrajudicial killings. They argue that the actions have targeted civilians who posed no direct threat to the United States, thus potentially violating international law.

In addition to these operations in the Pacific, Washington has also concentrated its efforts in the Caribbean. The US has deployed a significant naval force to the region, targeting boats suspected of drug trafficking, seizing oil tankers, and even executing a rapid military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicol¡s Maduro.