Three men have been killed in a US strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said. It is the latest in a series of attacks on vessels the Trump administration claims are being used to smuggle drugs into the US. Since the strikes began in September, experts have questioned their legality under international law, which has prompted strong criticism from Latin American leaders whose citizens have been targeted.
Combatting the flow of illegal drugs is a key policy for US President Donald Trump, but critics suggest the strikes may also serve to influence politically opposed governments in the region.
Hegseth stated that the boat targeted on Saturday was operated by a designated terrorist organization, although he did not specify which one, and claimed it was traveling in international waters when hit. The vessel was reportedly on a known drug-smuggling route and carrying narcotics, but no evidence was provided to support these claims.
Hegseth's statement was accompanied by a video of the strike showing a blurred-out boat before it exploded, typical of announcements related to these operations, which usually lack concrete evidence and details regarding those involved.
The Trump administration has asserted that some of the indicted vessels were departing from Venezuela. Since early September, American airstrikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have reportedly resulted in at least 64 fatalities.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the attacks, labeling them 'murder' and alleging they are intended for US dominance in Latin America. Similarly, Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro accused Washington of fabricating a war.
Amid increasing tensions, the US placed sanctions on Petro's administration and revoked Colombia’s ally status in the war on drugs. Trump has indicated possible military action against Venezuela if necessary. Some US lawmakers contend that congressional approval is needed for these strikes, a requirement the Trump administration has denied.
Future implications of these military actions remain concerning, especially as the UN's human rights chief condemned the US strikes, calling them violations of international human rights law. Current strategies in the Caribbean and Pacific, including the build-up of military presence, raise questions on legality and necessity amid ongoing reports of civilian casualties.
Combatting the flow of illegal drugs is a key policy for US President Donald Trump, but critics suggest the strikes may also serve to influence politically opposed governments in the region.
Hegseth stated that the boat targeted on Saturday was operated by a designated terrorist organization, although he did not specify which one, and claimed it was traveling in international waters when hit. The vessel was reportedly on a known drug-smuggling route and carrying narcotics, but no evidence was provided to support these claims.
Hegseth's statement was accompanied by a video of the strike showing a blurred-out boat before it exploded, typical of announcements related to these operations, which usually lack concrete evidence and details regarding those involved.
The Trump administration has asserted that some of the indicted vessels were departing from Venezuela. Since early September, American airstrikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have reportedly resulted in at least 64 fatalities.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the attacks, labeling them 'murder' and alleging they are intended for US dominance in Latin America. Similarly, Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro accused Washington of fabricating a war.
Amid increasing tensions, the US placed sanctions on Petro's administration and revoked Colombia’s ally status in the war on drugs. Trump has indicated possible military action against Venezuela if necessary. Some US lawmakers contend that congressional approval is needed for these strikes, a requirement the Trump administration has denied.
Future implications of these military actions remain concerning, especially as the UN's human rights chief condemned the US strikes, calling them violations of international human rights law. Current strategies in the Caribbean and Pacific, including the build-up of military presence, raise questions on legality and necessity amid ongoing reports of civilian casualties.
