On November 16, 2023, the United States military executed an airstrike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, which was alleged to be involved in drug trafficking. The Pentagon reported that the vessel was operating in international waters and was confirmed to be transporting narcotics along a recognized smuggling route. This operation was part of a broader campaign by the U.S. Southern Command, which has conducted 21 similar strikes since early September, resulting in over 80 fatalities according to military sources.

The U.S. Congress, along with various human rights organizations and international allies, has expressed concerns regarding the legality of these military actions. The Trump administration has asserted that it possesses the legal authority to carry out such strikes, supported by a legal opinion from the Justice Department that claims immunity for military personnel involved in these operations.