The US military has reportedly killed three individuals during a strike on a vessel in the Caribbean that was suspected of smuggling drugs. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the targeted boat belonged to a designated terrorist organization and was intercepted in international waters. He claimed the vessel was carrying narcotics, though no evidence was provided to support this assertion.
This incident marks the latest in a series of strikes authorized by the Trump administration, aimed at disrupting drug trafficking routes into the United States. However, these operations have faced scrutiny regarding their legality under international law, with critics, including some Latin American leaders, questioning their compliance with human rights standards.
The US government maintains that these actions are necessary to combat drug-related terrorism. Despite this, there is speculation that the strikes could also be a strategic move to exert influence over governments in the region that are politically opposed to the US.
The lack of transparency surrounding these strikes, often accompanied by unverified footage, has fueled controversy. The UN’s human rights chief has voiced concerns, deeming such attacks a violation of international law and calling for an end to the operations due to their “unacceptable” human cost.