United States Southern Command said it carried out strikes on three suspected drug-smuggling boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11 people.

The military claimed the vessels were operating along known trafficking routes and were run by designated terrorist organizations, though it has not released supporting evidence.

The strikes are part of a broader campaign that has involved more than 40 operations and over 130 reported deaths, drawing criticism from some lawmakers.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have defended the actions as necessary to combat drug trafficking, NBC News has reported.

The operations have increased tensions with Venezuela and sparked debate over the administration’s use of military force without prior congressional approval.