US strikes suspected drug-smuggling vessel in Pacific, 3 dead

The United States military on Friday (29/5) struck a vessel in the eastern Pacific accused of drug smuggling, killing three men. U.S. Southern Command said the boat was traveling on a narcotics trafficking route and was involved in drug-trafficking operations, but it did not provide evidence. Video posted by the military showed a small boat at sea before it was hit by an explosion and caught fire. ABC News reported the strike was the third in a week and lifted the total death toll in the series of operations since early September to more than 200. The operation has taken place under a months-long campaign against vessels suspected of links to drug cartels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The latest strike was carried out on the orders of General Francis L. Donovan.