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U.S. Military Strikes on Drug Boats Result in 11 Fatalities

KVIA•Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:58 PM•CNN Newsource

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The U.S. military conducted strikes on three suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals onboard, as reported by U.S. Southern Command. These operations, which began in September, have now claimed at least 135 lives, raising concerns about the legality and ethics of such actions. Critics argue that these strikes, which target individuals classified as 'narco-terrorists', may violate international law, as the U.S. is not officially at war with drug cartels. The operations have shifted from law enforcement to military action, sparking significant debate in Congress regarding due process and potential war crimes.

Key Details: • 11 individuals killed in recent military strikes on drug trafficking boats. • Total fatalities in U.S. anti-drug operations since September now at least 135. • Criticism from legal experts and Congress about the legality of these military actions. • Previous operations handled by law enforcement and Coast Guard without lethal force.

human-rights law-enforcement drug-trafficking congress military-action

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U.S. Southern CommandCongressU.S. Military

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