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US forces target three vessels in Pacific
The US military announced Tuesday it had conducted airstrikes on three boats in the Pacific Ocean, killing eight individuals accused of drug trafficking. The operation, confirmed by US Southern Command, targeted vessels moving along known narcotics routes.
Footage released, legal concerns raised
Southern Command shared video of the strikes on social media, stating the boats were actively engaged in smuggling. However, the operation has drawn criticism from legal experts, who argue such actions may violate international laws governing armed conflict.
A September 2 incident-where a second strike killed survivors of an initial attack-has faced particular scrutiny. Legal analysts told BBC Verify the follow-up strike likely constituted an extrajudicial killing under international law.
"This campaign appears to be a planned, systematic attack against civilians during peacetime," said a former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court.
White House defends operations
The Trump administration defended the strikes, asserting they comply with laws of armed conflict and aim to block cartels "bringing poison to US shores." The White House framed the operations as necessary to counter threats to American lives.
Broader campaign against Venezuela
The strikes are part of a months-long US military effort targeting over 20 vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean, resulting in at least 90 deaths. The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Venezuela, accusing President Nicolás Maduro's government of facilitating drug trafficking into the US.
Recent actions include positioning thousands of troops and the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier near Venezuela. On December 10, US forces seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, alleging it transported sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran to support "terrorist organizations."
Venezuela condemns US actions
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil denounced the tanker seizure as "international piracy," accusing Trump of seeking control over Venezuela's oil reserves. The escalating tensions come amid US efforts to isolate Maduro's government.
