The US military said it carried out deadly strikes against three boats operated by groups it has designated as terrorist organisations in international waters, killing eight suspected narco terrorists. US Southern Command stated that the strikes took place on Monday as part of Operation Southern Spear, under the direction of the US Secretary of War, and were conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

According to the military, intelligence showed the vessels were travelling along known drug smuggling routes and were actively involved in narcotics trafficking. Three people were killed on the first boat, two on the second, and three on the third, all described as male narco terrorists. These latest actions increase the death toll linked to Operation Southern Spear, an initiative launched under President Donald Trump to counter drug trafficking in the region. US officials have previously said that at least ninety five people have been killed in similar strikes since the campaign began. Earlier this month, another suspected drug vessel was hit in the eastern Pacific, resulting in four deaths.

The operation has faced criticism from lawmakers and legal experts. The Trump administration has told Congress that the United States is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels, which it says started with the first strike on September 2. Critics argue that follow up strikes on surviving crew members could amount to war crimes. The administration has defended the campaign by describing those killed as unlawful combatants and citing a classified Justice Department opinion that permits lethal action without court approval.

The military effort is part of wider US pressure on Venezuela, including troop deployments and naval operations in the Caribbean, along with warnings aimed at President Nicolas Maduro. The United States has also announced new sanctions on shipping companies and vessels accused of helping move Venezuelan oil, following the seizure of a sanctioned tanker near Venezuela.