US kills 2 in first known strike on alleged drug boat since Maduro’s capture

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Associated PressJanuary 24, 2026 at 12:31 AM

AI Summary

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The US military conducted a deadly strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Friday, killing two people and leaving one survivor. US Southern Command stated the boat was involved in drug trafficking operations. This is the first known strike on a suspected drug boat since the US raid earlier this month that targeted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The US military released a video showing the boat exploding after being struck. The Coast Guard was notified to conduct search and rescue operations for the survivor. The US military has recently focused on seizing sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela following the US raid to capture Maduro on drug trafficking charges.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

New York 30% Trump administration 40% US Coastguard 40% Pacific Ocean 50% Venezuela ×260% US Southern Command 70% Nicolas Maduro (Maduro) ×280% United States ×390%

Keywords

drug trafficking 100% us military strike 90% eastern pacific ocean 70% narco-trafficking operations 70% vessel 60% search and rescue 50% sanctioned oil tankers 40%