US Military Strikes 5 Drug Boats, Kills 8; Survivors Possible Amidst Escalating Drug War

• US military struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats over two days, resulting in eight deaths.
• Some individuals reportedly jumped overboard before attacks; US Southern Command notified Coast Guard for search and rescue.
• The latest strikes bring the total to 35 boat attacks and at least 115 deaths since early September, per Trump administration figures.
• President Donald Trump justifies these actions as an "armed conflict" to halt drug flow into the US.
• A recent CIA drone strike on Venezuelan soil, targeting alleged drug cartels, marks a significant escalation in pressure on Nicolás Maduro.

Why It Matters: US military intensifies anti-drug operations, leading to more deaths and escalating tensions in the region.