The attack, in the eastern Pacific, was part of a continuing campaign by the U.S. Southern Command to target people suspected of smuggling drugs by sea.
It was the first time in the campaign against people the United States accuses of drug smuggling at sea that American forces blew up boats on both sides of the Panama Canal in the same day.
The strike in the eastern Pacific, the third on suspected drug trafficking boats this year, was the second authorized by Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the new head of the Southern Command.
Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan, a Marine general with expansive experience in special operations and the Middle East, would take over after the abrupt departure of the previous commander.
If confirmed by the Senate, Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan would take over as boat strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific have come under sharp criticism from lawmakers from both parties.
Anmelden
