Three men have tragically lost their lives following a US strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation, stating that the boat was operated by a designated terrorist organization and was intercepted in international waters. This incident is the latest in a string of strikes conducted by the US administration against suspected drug-smuggling operations, which have raised concerns among international legal experts and leaders.
The current series of strikes, which began in September, has been questioned for its adherence to international law, drawing criticism from Latin American officials. While the US administration frames these actions as crucial for combating drug trafficking into the United States, some observers suggest they may also serve political aims, potentially influencing governments in the region.
Hegseth stated that the targeted vessel was on a known drug-smuggling route and was carrying narcotics, though specific evidence was not immediately provided. Accompanying the announcement was a video that appears to show the moment of impact and explosion. These strikes have been a recurring feature of the Trump administration’s foreign policy, with previous reports indicating that some targeted boats had departed from Venezuela.
The effectiveness and legality of these operations have been debated, with the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, stating that such attacks violate international human rights law. Experts in Latin American politics have also posited that these strikes, along with other measures, could be intended to foster political change in Colombia and Venezuela. The US has maintained a significant military presence in the Caribbean recently, which it describes as part of its anti-drug efforts.