On April 26, the US military, under the direction of SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific, claiming it was involved in narco-trafficking and operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. This action, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals, is part of a broader series of attacks that have led to an estimated 185 fatalities. Human rights experts and legal scholars argue that such operations at sea, regardless of the alleged criminal activity, lack justification under international maritime law and constitute extrajudicial killings. These incidents echo concerns raised regarding similar alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, where a former president faces charges of crimes against humanity.
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The US military conducted a lethal strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, targeting alleged narco-trafficking operations. This incident is part of a broader campaign that has resulted in at least 178 deaths since September, though detailed evidence supporting the drug trafficking claims is lacking. Legal experts and human rights groups contend these attacks violate domestic and international law, with families of victims initiating legal challenges and UN officials condemning the campaign as a human rights violation. The administration asserts the strikes are legal under conflict laws and necessary to combat drug trafficking and prevent overdose deaths in the US.
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The US military conducted another strike in the Caribbean targeting a vessel allegedly involved in narco-trafficking, resulting in the deaths of all four individuals on board, according to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This marks the fourth such strike since September, all targeting boats the administration links to cartels designated as terrorist organizations, and occurred in international waters near Venezuela, potentially escalating tensions. Though the exact terrorist affiliation was not specified, officials claim the boat was transporting narcotics to the US, and the administration has declared an armed conflict with these cartels. Legal concerns have been raised by experts and lawmakers regarding the legality of these strikes, with officials indicating these actions will continue.
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John Q. Hosedrinker