US Military Kills Two in Latest Pacific Maritime Strike
US Military Kills Two in Latest Pacific Maritime Strike
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
The U.S. military has confirmed killing two people in a strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific. Conducted by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM); the operation is part of an ongoing maritime campaign targeting alleged drug trafficking routes.
This incident marks a continuation of aggressive military actions across the region.
Addressing the strike, SOUTHCOM officials labeled the targets as criminals and stated that “two narco-terrorists were killed during this action.” However, the military provided no immediate evidence to prove the vessel was involved in smuggling or that those on board were linked to terrorist activities.
According to the watchdog group Airwars, this is the first lethal maritime attack of 2026. The campaign, which began in late 2025, has now reached 34 recorded incidents. The operation has faced significant scrutiny for its focus on small vessels operating in international waters.
The rising death toll has sparked international condemnation, with at least 126 people killed in these strikes since September 2025.
Human rights advocates argue these operations constitute extrajudicial killings. They claim the military is bypassing judicial processes and failing to meet transparency standards.
Critics argue that the “narco-terrorism” justification does not meet legal thresholds for using military force. Legal scholars maintain that destroying vessels without an imminent threat of armed attack violates international law.
Specifically, they cite the prohibition against the arbitrary deprivation of life.
Despite global backlash, the U.S. administration continues to defend the campaign as a national security necessity. With no victims identified and no proof of illicit cargo provided in this latest strike, the legality of these actions remains highly contested. The military shows no signs of scaling back the controversial program.
