In recent developments, the U.S. military has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking operations in the waters of the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of six more individuals in strikes carried out over the weekend. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Monday that these attacks targeted vessels allegedly involved in narcotics smuggling, bringing the total death toll from this ongoing series of strikes to 76.
According to Hegseth’s statement posted on the social media platform X, the U.S. conducted two separate strikes on Sunday against two boats in international waters. Each vessel reportedly carried three men identified as “male narco-terrorists,” all of whom were killed in the attacks. Hegseth emphasized that no U.S. forces were harmed during these operations. Video footage accompanying the announcement showed one stationary vessel in black-and-white imagery and another open-top boat exploding while in motion, with visible bundles onboard that were presumably narcotics shipments.
These strikes are part of a broader campaign that began in September under the administration of former President Donald Trump. Since then, U.S. forces have destroyed at least 20 vessels, including 19 boats and one so-called “narco submarine,” as part of efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks. Hegseth framed these actions as a protective measure for the homeland, describing the targets as “cartel terrorists” intent on harming the United States and its citizens. He also claimed that the two recently struck boats were operated by “Designated Terrorist Organizations,” although he did not specify which groups were involved.
The Trump administration has informed Congress that the United States is engaged in an “armed conflict” with Latin American drug cartels, a characterization that serves as a legal rationale for these military interventions. By designating drug trafficking organizations as terrorist groups, the administration asserts the right to carry out lethal operations against them in international waters. However, this approach has sparked significant controversy and debate. Experts and human rights advocates argue that the strikes amount to extrajudicial killings, raising serious questions about their legality and adherence to international law.
Critics also point out that the U.S. government has not publicly identified those killed nor provided concrete evidence to substantiate claims that the targeted individuals were involved in narcotics smuggling or posed a direct threat to U.S. security. Families of the deceased and some governments in the region have asserted that many of those killed were civilians, primarily fishermen, caught up in the military campaign. These claims contribute to growing concerns about the potential for collateral damage and violations of human rights.
The military operations coincide with a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean region. To bolster its presence, the United States has deployed six Navy ships, stationed F-35 stealth fighter jets in Puerto Rico, and dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the area. This escalation of military assets reflects the administration’s commitment to aggressively combat drug trafficking and related threats.
However, the campaign has also heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly with Venezuela. The Venezuelan government views the U.S. naval presence and strikes as a direct threat aimed at destabilizing and ultimately ousting President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro has repeatedly accused former President Trump of orchestrating efforts to remove him from power. In a recent interview on the CBS program “60 Minutes,” Trump suggested that Maduro’s “days were numbered,” further intensifying the rhetoric surrounding U.S.-Venezuelan relations. Moreover, Trump confirmed in October that he had authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela, indicating a multi-faceted approach to undermining Maduro’s regime.
The international community has responded with concern to the U.S. strikes. On Monday, Volker Turk, the United Nations’ human rights chief, called on Washington to investigate the legality of these military actions. Turk warned that there are “strong indications” that the strikes may constitute extrajudicial killings, urging the U.S. administration to determine whether the operations violate international human rights law. The United Nations has previously requested that the U.S. cease its campaign, emphasizing that the killings have occurred “in circumstances that find no justification in international law.”
Domestically, the campaign has sparked political debate in the United States. Last week, Senate Republicans defeated legislation designed to restrict President Trump’s authority to launch attacks against Venezuela. Democrats have pushed for greater congressional oversight, advocating for a stronger role in decisions regarding military action in Latin America. This legislative contention highlights the contentious nature of the administration’s strategy in the region.
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