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US Strike Kills Three on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel in Caribbean
A US military strike killed three men aboard a boat allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced late Saturday. The vessel, described as operated by a "designated terrorist organization," was targeted in international waters along a known smuggling route, though no specific group or evidence of narcotics was provided in the statement.
The operation marks the latest in a series of controversial airstrikes launched since September under the Trump administration's intensified campaign against drug smuggling. Critics, including Latin American leaders and UN officials, have condemned the strikes as legally dubious and disproportionate.
Legal and Political Backlash Grows
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has repeatedly denounced the attacks as "murder," accusing the US of using them to "dominate" Latin America. Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, another vocal critic, labeled the strikes a "fabricated war." Both leaders-long at odds with Washington-have faced US sanctions and diplomatic pressure, including Colombia's removal from a key drug-war alliance and threats of military action against Venezuela.
US lawmakers from both parties have questioned the legality of the strikes, arguing they require congressional approval. President Trump has dismissed these claims, though he acknowledged potential land operations in Venezuela might need legislative backing. Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the attacks as violations of international law, citing over 60 deaths since September with "no justification."
"These attacks-and their mounting human cost-are unacceptable."
Volker Türk, UN Human Rights Chief
Military Buildup and Broader Regional Tensions
The US has significantly expanded its military presence in the Caribbean in recent months, deploying warships, fighter jets, and drones under the banner of counter-narcotics operations. Analysts note the scale of deployment exceeds typical anti-trafficking efforts, fueling speculation about broader strategic goals-particularly in Colombia and Venezuela, where the US disputes the legitimacy of Maduro's government and criticizes Petro's drug policies.
Saturday's strike, like previous operations, was announced alongside grainy footage of the explosion but without verifiable evidence of drug trafficking or the identities of those onboard. CBS News reports at least 64 deaths from US airstrikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since September, though the Pentagon has not confirmed this figure.
Key Questions Remain Unanswered
Experts continue to debate whether the strikes comply with international law, particularly given the lack of transparency about targets and casualties. The Trump administration maintains the operations are necessary to disrupt "narco-terrorists," but critics argue they risk escalating regional instability without clear legal or strategic justification.
