As surveillance aircraft tracked the boat for an extended period, analysts at command centers grew increasingly certain of illicit activity. The extended observation provided mounting evidence suggesting the individuals on board were involved in drug trafficking. This conclusion was drawn based on the length of time the boat was monitored. The increased confidence of the analysts was a direct result of the prolonged surveillance operation.
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The Trump administration, under alleged orders from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to leave no survivors, launched over a dozen strikes on suspected drug-running vessels, resulting in over 80 deaths. A specific incident involved a missile strike in the Caribbean, where two survivors of the initial attack were reportedly killed by a second strike on orders to eliminate all witnesses. These actions have drawn intense scrutiny, with legal experts labeling them as potential war crimes and extrajudicial killings due to the lack of legal justification and the alleged targeting of individuals posing no imminent threat. Despite this scrutiny, the administration has stated that they are engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels and the Department of Justice claims military personnel won’t face criminal prosecution.
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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.
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Pentagon says it struck another suspected drug boat in Pacific, killing three, and the immediate reaction, it seems, is a mix of outrage and disbelief. The very notion of taking a life based on mere suspicion is deeply unsettling. The term “suspected” throws everything into question, raising valid points about due process and the right to a fair trial. The complete absence of evidence, of definitive proof of wrongdoing, seems to be a major concern, and rightly so. Many are asking if there are other ways to handle these suspected drug smugglers, such as sending out boats to verify the contents of the boat.… Continue reading
Following the direction of President Trump, US forces conducted lethal strikes on two vessels off the coast of South America, resulting in the deaths of six individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The strikes, which began in early September, have targeted vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in over 70 deaths to date. These actions have drawn criticism, with the UN human rights chief condemning them as a violation of international law, and Venezuela denouncing them as illegal and aggressive. Despite the attacks, the US has not made public any concrete evidence of the targets’ activities.
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AP News has learned the identity of some men killed in U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, thanks to reporting done by Regina Garcia Cano. Through interviews with residents and relatives in Venezuelan villages, it was discovered that the deceased were not narco-terrorists as claimed, but rather men involved in drug running for the first or second time. The reporting was met with significant challenges, as sources were fearful of speaking out due to potential repercussions from the Venezuelan government, including searches and detentions. Despite the challenges, the reporting found widespread poverty and a lack of information that is hindering the ability of families to mourn their lost loved ones.
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The US military conducted another strike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in three fatalities, bringing the total death toll from the campaign to at least 70. These strikes, initiated in September, have targeted vessels in international waters, destroying at least 18 vessels, although concrete evidence of the targets’ illicit activities remains undisclosed. The ongoing campaign, justified by the administration’s declaration of “armed conflict” with Latin American drug cartels, involves significant military assets in the region, including Navy ships and stealth warplanes. Despite concerns and accusations of extrajudicial killings, the administration has expanded its military operations while facing challenges and accusations from Venezuela’s president.
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The U.S. military conducted another lethal strike in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of three individuals allegedly involved in drug smuggling, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This marks at least the 15th such strike since September, bringing the total number of fatalities to at least 64. Justification for these attacks comes from the Trump administration, who views it as an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. Lawmakers have repeatedly requested more information regarding the legal basis for these strikes, as well as details about the targeted cartels and individuals.
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The UN’s human rights chief has criticized recent US military strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, alleging these lethal attacks violate international law and constitute extrajudicial killings. According to reports, these strikes have resulted in over 60 fatalities since early September. The UN is calling on the US to cease these actions immediately. Despite the criticism, the US has defended the strikes, with President Trump arguing their necessity to combat drug trafficking and that he has the legal authority to continue them.
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Recent investigations by the independent Russian outlet Verstka reveal an alarming increase in extrajudicial killings within the Russian military, referred to as “nullifying,” where soldiers are executed. This practice involves sending personnel on deadly missions without proper gear, as well as executing those who refuse to participate in suicidal assaults, often motivated by financial gain. Commanders are allegedly profiting from the situation through bribes and transferring salaries, with refusal to pay resulting in execution. These findings underscore the brutal tactics employed in Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine, where human wave assaults have led to heavy casualties.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood