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UN Rights Chief Condemns US Lethal Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats as Illegal
Volker Türk, the UN's top human rights official, denounced US military strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific on Friday, calling them "unacceptable" violations of international law and "extrajudicial killings." Over 60 people have reportedly died in such attacks since early September, according to Türk.
US Justifies Strikes as Counter-Narcotics Effort
President Donald Trump defended the operations, asserting they are essential to disrupting drug flows into the US and claiming legal authority to target boats in international waters. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth framed the strikes as targeting vessels operated by groups the US designates as terrorist organizations, declaring, "The Western Hemisphere is no longer a safe haven for narco-terrorists bringing drugs to our shores to poison Americans."
Türk acknowledged the challenge of combating drug trafficking but insisted lethal force lacks justification under international law. "Countering illicit drug trafficking is a law enforcement matter," he stated, emphasizing that lethal action is permissible only as a last resort against imminent threats to life. Publicly available US statements, he noted, provide "no evidence" that targeted individuals posed such threats.
Calls for Accountability and Regional Backlash
Türk urged the US to halt the strikes immediately and launch independent investigations. He advocated for law enforcement alternatives, such as intercepting vessels and prosecuting suspects. Most attacks have occurred off South America's Caribbean coast, though a Pacific operation this week killed at least 18 people, per Hegseth's account.
The US has bolstered its regional presence, deploying troops, aircraft, and the USS Gerald R. Ford-its largest warship-to the Caribbean. However, the strikes have sparked criticism across the Americas. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the attacks, demanding respect for international treaties, while Colombian President Gustavo Petro, sanctioned by the US for allegedly enabling cartel activity, defended his decades-long anti-trafficking efforts.
Venezuela Accuses US of Political Motives
Venezuela's Attorney General accused the US of seeking regime change, citing Trump's allegations that President Nicolás Maduro leads a drug-trafficking network-a claim Maduro denies. The US, which does not recognize Maduro's 2024 electoral victory as legitimate, has faced accusations of aiming to control Venezuela's gold, oil, and copper reserves. Opposition polling data from 2024 suggested a landslide win for Maduro's rival.
Domestic and International Scrutiny
US lawmakers from both parties have questioned the strikes' legality and Trump's authority to order them. Regional tensions have escalated, with Colombia and Venezuela condemning the operations. Experts continue to debate whether the attacks comply with international humanitarian and maritime laws.
