The U.S. has increased attacks near Venezuela and Colombia, with recent strikes in the Eastern Pacific resulting in casualties and targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking. These actions follow a period of reduced activity and involve search-and-rescue operations. The strikes have sparked controversy, with critics condemning them and pointing out the risks to civilians.
The bulk of U.S. strikes near Venezuela and Colombia took place from September to December, but the U.S. has stepped up attacks again in recent weeks.A video still from the X account of U.S Southern Command shows a vessel in the eastern Pacific before it was struck Monday.
The U.S. said Monday that it hit a vessel allegedly transporting drugs in the Eastern Pacific, killing two people and leaving one survivor in the"Two narco-terrorists were killed and one survived the strike,” it said, adding that the U.S. Coast Guard was activated for search-and-rescue operations.The U.S. largely eased off attacks on boats in the region after the Jan. 3 arrest and removal of then-Presidentof Venezuela. Maduro, who is being held in a New York jail, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy.The Trump administration has argued that the dozens of strikes, which began in September and have killed at least 118 people, are necessary to help stop the flow of illicit drugs into the U.S., who met with President Donald Trump last week, has repeatedly decried the U.S. strikes in the region, comparing them to war crimes. Colombian citizens have been injured or killed in previous strikes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. military carried out three strikes Monday in the waters of the Eastern Pacific against four boats suspected of carrying drugs, killing 14 and leaving one survivor.2026 Milan Cortina Olympics
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