US military says eight killed in strikes on alleged drug vessels

The US military announced that it attacked three boats in the Pacific Ocean, accusing them of drug smuggling, killing eight people.

U.S. Southern Command posted footage of the attacks on social media and said the ships “traveled through known drug smuggling routes… and were engaged in drug smuggling.”

More than 20 ships have been targeted and at least 90 people have been killed in the Pacific and Caribbean in recent months as part of President Donald Trump’s escalating campaign against gangs he accuses of transporting drugs in the region.

Some experts say the attacks could violate laws governing armed conflict.

The Trump administration has accused Venezuela of funneling drugs to the United States and has intensified efforts to isolate President Nicolas Maduro in recent months.

Thousands of soldiers and the USS Gerald Ford were placed within striking distance of Venezuela.

On December 10, US forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela that they claimed was being used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran “in an illicit oil shipping network that supports foreign terrorist organizations.”

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil called the seizure “international piracy” and claimed that Trump wanted Venezuela’s energy resources.

The South American country, home to some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, also accuses Washington of stealing its resources.