Following an initial strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean on September 2, the US military conducted a follow-up strike after assessing there were survivors. This second attack resulted in the deaths of the remaining crew, bringing the total death toll to 11 and sinking the ship. The administration has since faced scrutiny, as the President announced the strike, but has never publicly acknowledged killing survivors. Legal experts and members of Congress have raised concerns, with some arguing the strikes violate the law of armed conflict by executing individuals who are “hors de combat.” This has led to the UK ceasing intelligence sharing with the US due to concerns over the legality of these actions.
Read More
Former US President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to pardon ex-Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Hernández was sentenced to 45 years in prison after being found guilty of importing cocaine into the US. Trump also expressed support for conservative candidate Tito Asfura in the upcoming Honduran general election, criticizing other candidates and accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of involvement in drug-related activities. The former president’s statement came amidst the backdrop of US counternarcotics operations in the region, which legal experts have questioned.
Read More
President Trump indicated that the United States is preparing to initiate actions against Venezuelan drug trafficking networks, specifically mentioning the start of land-based strikes “very soon.” This announcement follows the designation of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization, allowing for the imposition of additional sanctions. The US military has already deployed significant resources, including warships and troops, in the region as part of an anti-drug-trafficking campaign, having previously conducted boat strikes. Despite these preparations, the administration previously informed lawmakers that it was not planning strikes inside Venezuela, citing the lack of legal justification for such actions.
Read More
Reports indicate that former President Donald Trump and his administration prioritized lethal action against drug traffickers in the Western Hemisphere, initiating these efforts soon after assuming office. Over the subsequent ten months, the administration reportedly disregarded legal concerns raised by government lawyers regarding the policy’s legality. This pursuit of lethal strikes involved the repeated overruling or circumventing of legal counsel within the government. Multiple current and former officials have confirmed the details of these internal debates.
Read More
Colombian Navy divers discovered a significant cocaine seizure beneath a ship destined for Europe. During an underwater inspection, they found seven sealed bags containing over 450 pounds of suspected cocaine. This operation follows a recent confiscation of over seven tons of drugs from other vessels in the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. has placed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, criticizing his handling of drug cartels, while Petro maintains the U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats have resulted in civilian casualties.
Read More
Former Olympian Ryan Wedding faces indictment on charges of murder, money laundering, and drug trafficking related to a massive criminal enterprise. Authorities accuse Wedding of importing 60 metric tons of cocaine annually, generating billions in profit, and orchestrating the murder of a U.S. federal witness in Colombia. The FBI has added Wedding to the 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, offering a $15 million reward for his capture. The investigation, named “Operation Giant Slalom,” involves multiple agencies and seeks to dismantle Wedding’s network.
Read More
US Southern Command announced on Sunday its 21st strike on an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was engaged in narcotics smuggling along a known trafficking route. This latest strike brings the total number of individuals killed in these operations to 83. The campaign, intended to disrupt drug flow into the US, has faced criticism, with some allies like the UK and Colombia halting intelligence sharing over concerns of legality.
Read More
The U.S. military conducted its 20th strike on a boat suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in four fatalities and raising the total death toll from these operations to 80 since September. The U.S. Southern Command confirmed the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling. Simultaneously, the Trump administration is expanding its military presence in the region with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, solidifying its ongoing mission, Operation Southern Spear. While the administration claims the buildup is focused on stopping drug flow, concerns arise, with some suggesting this is an intimidation tactic against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces accusations of narcoterrorism.
Read More
Sign up to receive “Getting In,” a weekly newsletter from U.S. News & World Report, offering expert advice for navigating the college application process. This newsletter delivers insights and strategies directly to your inbox every Thursday. Readers will receive the most up-to-date information to help gain an admissions edge. By subscribing, users agree to the terms and conditions outlined by U.S. News & World Report.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker