The US military recently conducted a controversial strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Pacific, resulting in two fatalities. This marks the first such operation in the Pacific, expanding a campaign previously focused on the Caribbean. These strikes, now totaling eight since September, have led to the deaths of at least 34 individuals.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that these operations are part of a broader strategy against drug cartels, which he equates to terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda. The strikes have sparked criticism over their legality, with many questioning the justifications provided by the US, which relies on intelligence that remains largely undisclosed.
Critics argue that these actions lack legal grounding and exacerbate tensions in the region, particularly affecting relations with countries like Venezuela and Colombia. Despite the backlash, the US government classifies the cartels as "unlawful combatants," a designation that has been met with significant opposition from international law experts. This ongoing offensive highlights a contentious approach to combating drug trafficking, raising ethical and legal concerns amid heightened regional tensions.
