Part 5/15:
What makes this operation stand out is its decisive use of lethal force previously reserved for fewer cases. Historically, U.S. counter-narcotics missions focused primarily on boarding vessels for seizures and subsequent prosecution. Now, the destruction of the vessel indicates a more aggressive stance aimed at deterring traffickers by eliminating their vessels and risking their lives at sea. The involvement of regional allies like the Dominican Republic signals a broader regional commitment to combat drug trafficking collaboratively.