• The U.S. military struck a boat in the eastern Pacific, claiming it was involved in drug trafficking.
• Intelligence reports stated the vessel was along known narco-trafficking routes.
• Since early September, at least 105 people have been killed in similar strikes.
• The strikes face scrutiny from lawmakers and human rights activists for lack of evidence.
• Efforts to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro are part of the strikes.

The U.S. military conducted a strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, asserting it was engaged in drug trafficking operations. The strike resulted in the death of one individual, with U.S. Southern Command stating the operation involved a "low-profile vessel" identified as navigating known narco-trafficking routes, although they provided no evidence of its criminal activities, according to NPR and Los Angeles Times.

In total, the U.S. military has executed a minimum of 27 strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels since early September, resulting in the deaths of at least 105 individuals. These operations have intensified tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, labeled by the Trump administration as an "illegitimate leader" associated with drug trafficking, according to The Hill.

Lawmakers have raised concerns regarding the strikes, particularly after incidents where follow-up strikes resulted in additional casualties, including survivors of initial attacks. Defense officials indicated that while intelligence may suggest these vessels are involved in cocaine trafficking, they have also noted that some may be en route to Europe instead of the U.S., highlighting a complex narrative surrounding these military actions, as reported by The Hill and Los Angeles Times.