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Here’s what the US military is using to strike alleged drug boats
Here’s what the US military is using to strike alleged drug boats
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Puerto Rico
The US military has launched a comprehensive campaign against alleged drug trafficking boats operating in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Utilizing advanced technology, including MQ-9 Reaper drones, AC-130J gunships, and fighter jets, these operations signify a robust military effort to intercept and dismantle narcotics trafficking into the United States. According to insiders familiar with the operations, these airstrikes have been significant, with 19 instances reported that resulted in the destruction of 20 boats and the loss of 76 lives since the campaign commenced in early September. The MQ-9 Reaper drones, known for their precision, have been pivotal in executing these strikes due to their ability to carry out long-range assaults with Hellfire missiles. In addition, AC-130J gunships, equipped to deliver precise firepower, have been identified as part of this operational strategy. Recently confirmed operations in Puerto Rico have noted the strategic repositioning of these assets, highlighting a shift in focus toward the eastern Pacific, a known route for cocaine trafficking from South America to the U.S. Military installations in Puerto Rico are currently hosting these operations, with naval bases that have been dormant for years now becoming central to the counternarcotics mission. For example, Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, which had been shut since 2004, has been buzzing with renewed military presence and activity. The return of operations here signals a strategic pivot particularly aimed at surging drug transport through the Caribbean. For the military, the mission's financial implications are noteworthy. Each airstrike costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, as mandated resources include flight hours and munitions. Specifically, while one Hellfire missile has an estimated cost of around $150,000, the operational expenses for running these drones and gunships range well into the tens of thousands per hour. Lawmakers have raised questions about the fiscal accountability of these operations, seeking clarity on how taxpayer money is being utilized in this extensive military campaign. Operations out of Comalapa, El Salvadoranother facility marked by unusual military vigilhave indicated the U.S.'s proactive measures intended to create a stronger surveillance net in the Pacific. The positioning of military assets here helps to cover broader swathes of ocean, targeting vessels that may be too far for based aircraft from the continental U.S. to intercept. The intelligence regarding trafficking trends has informed this strategy, suggesting that drug movements are increasingly emerging from Colombia directly into Mexico for transport into the United States, rather than through other nations like Venezuela, which historically were also significant routes. Despite these actions, the variables in the battlefield of drug trafficking are complex and uncertain. Theres no guarantee that all individuals targeted are affiliated with the criminal organizations the U.S. has classified as terrorist entities. Credible reports indicate that strikes are sometimes executed without full identification of those onboard vessels being attacked, basing actions primarily on vessels prior associations with drug cartels. The scope of military involvement in tackling narco-trafficking raises pertinent questions. While theres urgency in confronting drug-related threats, experts have expressed concerns about whether a military strategy effectively addresses the underlying issues driving narcotics trade. The substantial mobilization of assets, as seen with the deployment of the Ford Carrier Strike Group, has implications that extend beyond immediate military strikes, sparking discussions around potential engagements in broader geopolitical contexts, particularly regarding Venezuela. In summary, the U.S. military's intensified campaign against drug trafficking highlights a complex interplay of national security, fiscal accountability, and humanitarian considerations. As military technology continues to evolve, the effectiveness of these measures in eradicating narcotics trade within the Americas remains to be fully assessed.