US kills 8 in hits on 'drug boats'

EASTERN PACIFIC: TARGETS ARE 'UNLAWFUL COMBATANTS'

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Strikes on three alleged drug trafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean killed eight people on Monday, according to the US military, the latest in a controversial campaign that has killed dozens of people.

Since early September, the US military under Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has targeted alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, destroying at least 26 vessels and killing at least 95 people.

The US Southern Command announced the latest three strikes on X, claiming the eight men killed had been involved in drug trafficking.

The post included video footage of three separate boats floating in water before they are each hit by strikes.