The Washington Post reported that the boat attacks organized by the US to combat drug trafficking failed to achieve their objectives. In its report based on assessments by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the newspaper stated that these operations did not affect drug supply or prices.
According to the report, the attacks targeting boats suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean led traffickers to change their methods. Traffickers began using larger vessels in areas closer to the coastline, where US forces are less likely to open fire.
According to DEA findings, traffickers are increasingly turning to air routes to evade pressure at sea. This revealed that the maritime attacks have failed to reduce drug trafficking.
The US military's recent direct targeting of boats on suspicion of drug trafficking has fueled international debate over "extrajudicial killings".