US hits fifth suspected drug-boat in a week, three dead

The US military conducted its fifth lethal strike in the eastern Pacific against a vessel it says is operated by designated narco-trafficking groups, killing three people and raising the toll cited by AFP to about 177. Supporters frame the actions as a fight against narco-terrorists, while rights groups warn the strikes may be extrajudicial killings and note a lack of clear evidence that those killed were involved in drug trafficking.