The U.S. military says it has carried out airstrikes on three boats in the Pacific Ocean that it claims were involved in drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of eight people.
According to the U.S. Southern Command, the vessels were intercepted while traveling along what officials described as known narco-trafficking routes. The command shared video footage of the strikes on social media, stating that the boats were actively engaged in drug smuggling operations.
The latest incident comes amid an expanded U.S. military campaign targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels in both the Pacific and Caribbean regions. According to reporting by the BBC, more than 20 vessels have been struck in recent months, with at least 90 people killed, as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on gangs accused of transporting narcotics toward the United States.
Legal Concerns Raised by Experts
The strikes have drawn growing scrutiny from international law experts. Some specialists have warned that the operations may violate international laws governing armed conflict, particularly because the incidents are occurring outside of an active war zone.
One strike on September 2 has received particular attention after reports indicated that two separate attacks were carried out on the same vessel, with survivors of the initial strike reportedly killed in a second strike. Several legal experts told BBC Verify that the follow-up attack could be considered illegal under international law, potentially qualifying as an extrajudicial killing.
A former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court told the BBC that the broader U.S. campaign may amount to a systematic attack against civilians during peacetime, raising serious legal and ethical concerns.
U.S. and Venezuelan Responses
The White House has rejected claims of wrongdoing, stating that the military actions were conducted in accordance with the laws of armed conflict. U.S. officials argue the operations are necessary to protect Americans from drug cartels they say are “bringing poison to U.S. shores and destroying lives.”
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Venezuela of playing a central role in funneling narcotics into the United States and has stepped up efforts to politically and economically isolate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In recent months, the U.S. has positioned thousands of troops and the USS Gerald R. Ford — the world’s largest aircraft carrier — within striking distance of Venezuela. On December 10, U.S. forces also seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, alleging it was part of an illicit operation transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.
Venezuelan officials strongly condemned the seizure. Foreign Minister Yván Gil called the action “international piracy” and accused the Trump administration of seeking control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
Ongoing Debate
As the U.S. military campaign continues, international legal experts and human rights groups are increasingly questioning the scope, legality, and long-term consequences of the strikes, while Washington maintains they are a necessary response to transnational drug trafficking and regional security threats.
About The Author
