US Military's Controversial Campaign Against Drug Traffickers Intensifies

The US military's campaign against vessels allegedly operated by civilians involved in drug trafficking has escalated, marking a striking eighth extrajudicial attack since September. In a departure from previous operations in the Caribbean Sea, the latest strike occurred off the Colombian coast in the Pacific Ocean. Reports surfaced on Wednesday via CBS, citing two anonymous official sources, confirming that the US military had killed two individuals in this latest operation, bringing the civilian death toll from these attacks to at least 34. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the victims as "narcoterrorists" in a post on social media, where he also shared footage of the vessel being destroyed. He emphasized the gravity of the threat posed by drug cartels, equating their actions to a form of war against the United States, and insisted that there would be no mercy but rather a quest for justice. However, questions remain regarding the identities of those on board the vessel and the nature of the cargo involved. Hegseth also indicated that the order for this strike was given by President Donald Trump. This announcement follows closely on the heels of another attack reported over the weekend, which targeted a vessel linked to the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian guerrilla group previously designated as a terrorist organization by the US since the 1990s. Hegseth claimed that the targeted vessel was navigating a recognized narcotrafficking route with substantial amounts of drugs onboard, and three individuals were killed in that operation. Notably, this operation took place in international waters under the jurisdiction of US Southern Command, an area that has seen an unprecedented military presence including warships, a nuclear submarine, and approximately 10,000 deployed troops. The Trump administration maintains that the United States is engaging in a non-international armed conflict against drug cartels, asserting that the narcotics they traffick are responsible for tens of thousands of American fatalities each year. Drugs from these organizations and the violence accompanying their illegal activities have led the US to classify these drug movements as forms of armed attacks. This declaration has faced criticism from senators across party lines, who question Trump's use of a 1970s law that allows him to conduct such military operations without congressional approval for a designated 60 days, with the potential for a 30-day extension. The latest military actions coincide with reports of a previous operation which involved a shallow-diving submersible, resulting in the deaths of two civilians, alongside the survival of two others—a Colombian and an Ecuadorian—who were later repatriated. The Ecuadorian was found not to hold any charges against him. As these controversial operations continue, the US government's failure to provide evidence concerning the crew members of the targeted vessels or the nature of their cargo raises significant concerns about the accountability and legality of such military actions. While the death penalty is applicable in many US jurisdictions, it is rarely pursued for drug trafficking offenses, highlighting the complexities surrounding these military interventions. For more developments on this situation, signing up for our weekly newsletter could provide additional updates and insights into the ongoing military campaign and its implications for US domestic and foreign policy. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2