On November 16, the United States carried out another attack on a suspected drug trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of three individuals on board, according to the Pentagon.

The U.S. Southern Command stated on social media, “Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illegal drug smuggling, traveling along a known drug trafficking route and carrying narcotics.” The attack occurred in international waters and was executed by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear.

This marks the 21st known attack on drug boats by the U.S. military since early September, part of what the U.S. is calling a necessary effort to disrupt the flow of drugs into the country. Over 80 individuals have reportedly been killed in these strikes, based on Pentagon data.

Lawmakers in the U.S. Congress, human rights organizations, and U.S. allies have expressed concerns regarding the legality of these attacks. The Trump administration claims it has the legal authority to conduct these operations, with the Justice Department providing a legal opinion that defends them and asserts that U.S. military personnel involved are immune from prosecution.

In addition, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department will classify a suspected drug organization, Cartel de los Soles, as a “foreign terrorist organization.” This designation makes it illegal for anyone in the U.S. to offer support to the group. U.S. officials have accused Cartel de los Soles of collaborating with the criminal organization Tren de Aragua to transport drugs to the United States.

The Trump administration has alleged that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leads Cartel de Los Soles, a claim he denies. The Pentagon has sent warships, fighter jets, and a nuclear submarine to the Caribbean as U.S. officials contemplate military action against the Maduro government.