I've been asked a question by a Conservative friend who thinks that the Trump administration is simply destroying boats in international waters without knowing for sure that they are indeed drug boats. He doesn't have a great understanding of the military or intelligence-gathering abilities we have in the US.
I suspect that these boats are identified through a combination of HUMINT (people on the ground), satellite and drone monitoring, use of FLIR imaging, and interception of communications by the drug lords... but I can't prove any of this.
Anyone here know how we know that these boats are narco-shipments and not innocent fishermen or pleasure craft?
Agree with others that HUMINT and SIGNIT are for sure being used, but also look at the behavior of these boats. I don’t know about you, but after the USMIL has blown up 14 boats nearby I don’t think I’d be eager to be number 15. Why not choose a different route, or just not fish over there if you’re an innocent fisherman?
The steady cadence of these same souped up boats, in the same fishing lanes, heading the same direction indicates to me that they are military, or at very least corporate. These boats are operated by desperate men, who probably cannot back out because of threats made to them and their families. The sheer obstinacy of the controllers indicates that they are 100% focused on hitting their deliverables, no matter who dies. It’s a business/military op.