2nd LD Writethru: U.S. military strikes 3 vessels in eastern Pacific, Caribbean, killing 11

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military struck three vessels in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean on Monday, killing 11 people, the U.S. Southern Command said Tuesday.

Four people were killed on the first vessel in the eastern Pacific, four on the second vessel in the eastern Pacific, and three on the third vessel in the Caribbean, the command said on X.

"Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations," the command claimed.

It added that no U.S. military forces were harmed.

The U.S. administration has not provided evidence supporting its allegations about the boats, cargo or the people killed.

Since early September, the U.S. forces have launched about 40 known strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, killing more than 130 people.

The Pentagon resumed strikes on boats in late January following a Jan. 3 U.S. military raid in which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were forcibly seized.

More El Salvador News

Access More

Sign up for El Salvador News

a daily newsletter full of things to discuss over drinks.and the great thing is that it's on the house!