The U.S. military said it killed two people in a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific, raising the total death toll to at least 170 since operations began last September.

U.S. Southern Command stated the vessel was identified through intelligence as part of narco-trafficking routes, though specific evidence has not been publicly disclosed.

Recent strikes have also left survivors in some cases, leading to rescue efforts and controversy over how they are handled.

A previous incident drew criticism after survivors of an initial strike were killed in a follow-up attack, raising legal concerns, CBS News has reported.

The broader campaign against alleged “narco-terrorists” has sparked debate over its legality and the lack of clear proof linking targeted vessels to drug trafficking.