The U.S. military has intensified its operations against drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific, killing six individuals suspected of involvement in narcotics smuggling. These strikes, executed on a Sunday, add to a total death toll of 76 since the campaign began under the Trump administration in September.
Recent Strikes Target Drug Boats
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed via social media that the military targeted two boats in international waters, claiming they were carrying narcotics and manned by “male narco-terrorists.” Each vessel had three individuals on board, all of whom were reported killed during the strikes, with no U.S. personnel harmed in the incident.
- Total Deaths: 76 from the ongoing military operations.
- Casualties in Latest Strikes: 6 individuals confirmed dead.
- Number of Vessels Destroyed: At least 20, including 19 boats and a suspected narco submarine.
Claims of Extrajudicial Killings
Despite the military’s assertions, experts have raised concerns that these actions could be classified as extrajudicial killings. U.S. officials did not disclose the identities of those killed or provide evidence linking them to drug trafficking activities.
Hegseth characterized the targeted vessels as operated by groups classified as “Designated Terrorist Organizations,” although no specific names were mentioned. The administration justifies these actions as part of an “armed conflict” against Latin American drug cartels, which they label as terrorist organizations.
Military Buildup in the Caribbean
The U.S. military presence in the Caribbean has grown, with six Navy ships deployed and F-35 stealth warplanes sent to Puerto Rico. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is now also in the region. This increase in military activity coincides with the strikes and is part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking.
International Reactions and Concerns
The recent military operations have attracted international scrutiny. The United Nations has urged the U.S. to investigate the legality of these strikes, with U.N. rights chief Volker Turk expressing concerns over potential violations of international law.
Turk called for the U.S. administration to evaluate the circumstances surrounding these actions, citing indications of extrajudicial killings. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into whether these operations are justifiable under international human rights law.
- U.N. Concerns: Strong indications of possible extrajudicial killings.
- Investigation Calls: Urged by U.N. rights chief to assess legality of strikes.
As tensions rise, the military operations continue to provoke discussions about the ethics and legality of U.S. actions in the region, particularly amid claims of civilian casualties, with many victims reportedly being local fishermen.
