By Matt Underwood US strikes another alleged drug cartel vessel, expanding attacks to Pacific
It’s hard to ignore the news: another alleged drug cartel vessel has been targeted by the US, this time with attacks extending into the Pacific Ocean. The immediate reaction is a mix of concern and confusion, particularly given the lack of arrests and the potential for civilian casualties. The use of phrases like “multiple homicide” in relation to the incidents is certainly jarring and prompts a fundamental question: are these truly drug traffickers, or is there more to the story? The echoes of the “war on terror” are hard to miss, with the same slippery slope of justifying actions based on vague accusations and the normalization of targeted killings.
Once the label of “insurgent” allowed for the casual killing of those deemed “bad guys”, civilian deaths became almost an accepted byproduct of these military operations. Now, we are seeing something similar, and it’s a dangerous precedent. The concern, and it’s a very valid one, is that these attacks might be a deliberate attempt to provoke conflict with other nations. There’s talk of these attacks expanding into the waters of Latin and South American countries, with the US potentially using terms like “narco-terrorist” to justify these actions. One can’t help but wonder why, instead of simply destroying vessels, the US isn’t boarding and arresting these so-called “cartel narco-terrorists.” It raises the question of whether there’s sufficient proof, or if the accusations are being used to justify extrajudicial killings.
There is also the simple fact, as noted by some, that there’s no death penalty for drug sales. This fact makes the claims of these vessels containing drugs seem even more suspicious. The destruction of vessels raises all sorts of questions, but most importantly, what exactly is going on with all these boats being blown up? It feels like we’re witnessing US actions that involve the murder of civilians without trial. The thought is that it’s a terrifying scenario. For many, it’s hard to reconcile the actions with the idea of a nation that values justice and the rule of law. It’s especially difficult to see how the military can attack a target based on mere suspicion of a crime.
The situation seems to be intensifying. The actions, especially if they are proven to be based on nothing more than speculation, are a step towards tyranny. The question of whether these strikes are actually about something else becomes pressing, like using the attacks as a distraction. The possibility that someone might be trying to mirror another leader’s tactics, especially someone known for aggressive posturing, raises eyebrows. It feels like an unwarranted expansion of military actions, especially considering we are not at war with any nation in South America.
In a situation like this, the lack of transparency is alarming. One can’t help but wonder about the true motives behind the actions. The lack of concrete evidence and the use of “alleged” in describing the targets is very telling. Why are they using kinetic strikes, destroying everything in their path, rather than capturing and gathering intelligence? If there were any doubts before, they are probably being amplified right now. The thought is that the attacks seem more like acts of piracy than legitimate law enforcement or military operations.
There is a sense of outrage at the actions, which are viewed as a reckless disregard for international law. The reactions suggest a deep frustration with the potential for provocation and the overall lack of accountability. There are concerns about how the international community would respond if another country were to engage in similar actions against the US. The hypocrisy is hard to ignore, and the concern is that this is simply a justification to start a war. It seems the administration is trying to portray America as a country that doesn’t care about the rules or other nations.
The fact that the targets are often just “alleged” drug traffickers raises serious questions. It’s difficult to accept the actions when they seem to lack proof or any reasonable justification. Why is it that the US seems to be going after small fishing vessels with limited potential, instead of the source? Then, of course, the fact that cartels are very likely to adapt their methods, perhaps using submarines, and that the drug supply chain doesn’t seem to have been impacted, raises even more concerns.
It’s easy to see these attacks as an abuse of power. The sentiment is that it’s a tragedy that the armed forces seem to be targeting random boats from smaller countries instead of going after major adversaries. There’s a sentiment of not just frustration, but anger. The entire situation raises serious questions about the direction the country is taking, and what this all really means for the future.