U.N. Urges U.S. to Stop Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats to Avert Killings
The United Nations has raised serious concerns about recent U.S. military strikes targeting boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. These vessels have been accused of transporting illegal drugs from South America. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has labeled these strikes as “unacceptable” and called for an immediate cessation.
U.N. Demands Action on U.S. Military Strikes
At a U.N. briefing, spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani emphasized Türk’s stance, stating that the rising human toll from these attacks is alarming. She stressed the need for the U.S. to halt such military actions and implement measures to prevent extrajudicial killings. Türk believes these airstrikes violate international human rights law.
Background of the Strikes
The military strikes, justified by the Trump administration as necessary to combat “narco-trafficking vessels,” have sparked controversy in the region. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the latest operation on Wednesday, which led to the deaths of four individuals aboard a targeted vessel in the eastern Pacific.
- This incident marked the 14th strike since the operation began in early September.
- The campaign has reportedly resulted in at least 61 fatalities.
Some U.S. officials have linked the strikes to the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, which the Trump administration has classified as a terrorist organization. Recently, the administration asserted that the nation is involved in a “non-international armed conflict” against these groups.
International Criticism
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly criticized the legality and effectiveness of these strikes during interviews. He questioned their compliance with international law and the U.S. strategy for combating drug trafficking. The Trump administration retaliated by imposing sanctions on Petro.
Shamdasani reiterated that while the U.S. characterizes these military actions as anti-drug and counter-terrorism initiatives, international consensus views the fight against drug trafficking as a law-enforcement issue. The legitimate use of lethal force is restricted to situations where there is an imminent threat to life.
Concerns persist about the operational details of these military actions, including the forces involved, the intelligence used, and the types of weapons deployed. Without congressional authorization, the basis for these strikes remains questionable.
As the U.N. calls for accountability, the focus turns to the implications of U.S. military strategies on human rights and international law.
