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US Military Conducts Strikes on Drug Boats, Resulting in 11 Fatalities

KVIA•Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:23 PM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

The US military executed strikes on three vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals on board. According to US Southern Command, these vessels were identified as operating along known narco-trafficking routes. This incident raises the total death toll from the US's ongoing military campaign against drug trafficking to at least 135 since it began in September. The strikes have faced criticism from legal experts and some lawmakers, who argue that these actions may violate international law as the US is not officially at war with drug cartels. Historically, drug trafficking was managed by law enforcement and the Coast Guard, without lethal military intervention.

Key Details: • Strikes occurred on Monday night, increasing total deaths to at least 135 since September. • Four individuals were killed on each of the first two vessels and three on the third. • Criticism arises over the legality of military strikes against non-combatants. • The US military's approach to drug trafficking has shifted from law enforcement to military action.

military law-enforcement drug-trafficking cartels southern-command

People & Organizations

CaribbeanUS Coast GuardUS Southern CommandEastern Pacific

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