The U.S. military’s year-long maritime offensive against drug trafficking has expanded its focus to dismantling "floating refueling stations" used by smugglers, marking a shift in strategy. While lethal strikes on drug boats have surged since last fall, the latest operations now prioritize minimizing civilian casualties alongside the destruction of these key smuggling infrastructure assets. The campaign reflects an evolving approach as authorities grapple with the logistical challenges of intercepting heavily armed and mobile trafficking networks. Details on the new tactics and their immediate impact remain under scrutiny as the military refines its counter-narcotics operations at sea.
A year into its deadly sea-based campaign to stamp out “narco-trafficking,” the U.S. military is zeroing in on a new target — “floating refueling stations” — and taking a more human approach to sinking the vessels. Since last September, U.S. forces have carried out more than 60 lethal drug boat strikes and have killed more...
