The US military said it carried out strikes on three boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing eight people. The action took place during an operation aimed at stopping illegal drug smuggling routes. Officials shared the information on Monday through an online statement. According to the military, the three boats were moving through waters often used by drug traffickers. The statement said the vessels were linked to groups labeled as terrorist organizations. The military said the first boat strike killed three people. A second strike killed two people. A third strike killed three more. The military did not release photos, videos, or other proof to support the claims. It also did not say what weapons were used or exactly where the boats were located. No names or nationalities of the people killed were shared. The eastern Pacific Ocean is a key route for illegal drug transport. Traffickers often use small boats to move drugs north toward Central America, Mexico, and the United States. These boats are hard to track and can travel long distances at sea. US officials say drug smuggling by sea has grown in recent years. Many traffickers now avoid land routes due to tighter border controls. Instead, they rely on fast boats and hidden shipping paths in open waters. The strikes come as the Trump administration pushes a harder line on drug cartels. The administration has said the United States is now in an armed conflict with these groups. Officials argue that drug cartels pose a serious threat to national safety. The administration has linked drug trafficking to rising overdose deaths inside the United States. Illegal drugs, especially synthetic opioids, are blamed for many deaths each year. Leaders say strong action is needed to stop the flow at its source. Under this approach, the military has taken a larger role in counter-drug operations. This includes sharing intelligence, tracking vessels, and supporting maritime patrols. The strikes suggest the military may now be taking direct action more often. However, experts say using military force in drug cases raises legal and moral questions. International law usually limits military action in non-war settings. Critics warn that such strikes could risk civilian lives if mistakes are made. Human rights groups have also raised concerns. They say deadly force should only be used as a last option. Without public evidence, it is hard to verify claims about who was on the boats or what they were carrying. The military has not said whether drugs were recovered after the strikes. It also did not explain how it confirmed the boats were linked to terrorist groups. This lack of detail has drawn questions from observers. Some experts note that drug cartels are criminal groups, not traditional terrorist groups. Labeling them as terrorists could expand military powers. This shift could change how future operations are carried out. Supporters of the action say strong steps are needed. They argue that drug smuggling causes massive harm and fuels violence. From this view, stopping boats before they reach land saves lives in the long run. For now, the US military says the operation was successful. It claims the strikes disrupted illegal activity and protected national interests. More details may be released in the coming days. The situation highlights a growing debate. As the US increases pressure on drug routes, the role of the military continues to expand. How far this approach will go remains unclear.