Strikes on three more alleged drug boats kill 11 people, says U.S. military

The U.S. military has intensified its operations against alleged drug traffickers, conducting strikes on three additional boats and resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals. This escalation brings the total number of fatalities to at least 145 since the campaign against what the U.S. government labels 'narco-terrorists' began in early September. These operations are part of a broader strategy to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in small vessels, which are often difficult to monitor. The U.S. has increasingly focused on these maritime threats, aiming to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics and the associated violence that plagues many regions. The ongoing military actions have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact and the potential for escalating violence in the region, drawing attention to the complex interplay between drug trafficking, national security, and local populations. Critics argue that while the military approach targets the symptoms of drug-related violence, it may not address the underlying issues driving the drug trade. As the situation evolves, the U.S. continues to balance its strategic interests with the need for humanitarian considerations in affected areas.