WASHINGTON - The United States conducted another attack on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific, killing three people aboard, the Pentagon said on Sunday
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“Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics,” the US Southern Command announced in a post on social media.

The announcement said the boat was in international waters when it was struck by the Southern Spear joint taskforce. It did not give details on where the vessel was traveling from or what organization it was associated with, the Guardian reported.

The latest operation was the 21st known attack on drug boats by the US military since early September in what it has called a justified effort to disrupt the flow of narcotics into the United States.

The strikes have killed more than 80 people, according to Pentagon figures.

Story Date: November 17, 2025