US Military Strikes Alleged Narco-Trafficking Vessels, Claims 5 Killed

The US military has reported that five individuals were killed in strikes targeting vessels allegedly involved in narco-trafficking in international waters. According to an updated statement, the military struck two vessels, resulting in the fatalities. No specific details were provided regarding the location of the strikes or the identities of those killed. Since September, the US military has conducted over 30 similar operations against vessels suspected of drug smuggling to the United States, though public evidence linking these boats to trafficking activities has not been disclosed. International law experts and rights groups have raised concerns, alleging that such strikes may constitute extrajudicial killings, as those targeted appear to be civilians posing no immediate threat to the US. The operations coincide with heightened pressure from US President Donald Trump on Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, whom Washington has accused of leading a drug cartel. Maduro has denied these allegations and accused the US of seeking regime change. Source: TRT.