US forces killed six men during a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The operation happened on Sunday.

The strike forms part of a wider campaign against drug traffickers at sea. The campaign began in early September under the administration of Donald Trump.

Since then, military operations have caused at least 157 deaths. Most strikes have targeted small boats on suspected trafficking routes.

Military Explains Strike

According to the United States Southern Command, intelligence guided the latest attack.

General Francis Donovan shared details on social media. He said analysts tracked the vessel along known smuggling routes.

He added that the boat took part in drug trafficking operations. He also posted a video showing the vessel exploding on the water.

However, officials did not release proof that drugs were on the boat.

Still, the command said the vessel travelled through a known trafficking corridor. Similar claims followed more than 40 strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea.

Trump Pushes Regional Action

President Donald Trump strongly supports the campaign. He says the United States faces an armed conflict with Latin American cartels.

Because of this, he believes the strikes are necessary. His goal is to reduce drugs entering the United States.

On Saturday, Trump met several Latin American leaders. During the meeting, he urged them to join military efforts against cartels and gangs.

He described those groups as a serious threat to regional security.

Soon after the talks, the United States and Ecuador carried out joint operations. These actions targeted organized crime groups inside Ecuador.

At the same time, Trump used the meeting to stress his focus on the Western Hemisphere. This effort continues during rising tensions with Iran.

Critics Question Strategy

Critics have raised concerns about the strikes. Some experts question their legality.

Others doubt the strategy will reduce drug trafficking.

Many point out that fentanyl usually reaches the US by land from Mexico. Producers there use chemicals imported from China and India.

Controversy also grew after the first strike in the campaign. Reports later showed the military attacked survivors from the damaged boat.

Supporters defended the action. However, critics called the killings unlawful.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the campaign has reduced targets. Because of that success, forces now struggle to find suspected smuggling boats.