U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced on Sunday that it had targeted two boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of five individuals.

In a statement posted on X, the command said intelligence indicated the vessels were involved in narcotics smuggling, prompting the operation.

SOUTHCOM also shared footage showing the moment the two boats were struck at sea.

The operation comes amid an increase in U.S. military actions targeting vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific regions under anti-drug trafficking efforts.

Such operations have sparked growing international debate, with concerns raised over potential “extrajudicial killings.”