U. S. Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats Raise Questions

In recent weeks, the U. S. has intensified its attacks on boats suspected of drug trafficking. The latest strike, confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, took place at night in international waters. This particular attack targeted a vessel allegedly linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. This is not an isolated incident. Over the past few weeks, the Trump administration has carried out at least ten such strikes, leading to more than 40 deaths. Initially focused on the Caribbean Sea, these operations have now expanded into the Pacific Ocean. The administration claims these vessels are part of a "designated terrorist organization, " though the specific group has not been named. Not all strikes have been fatal. Last week, two men—one from Ecuador and another from Colombia—survived an attack on a suspected drug-trafficking submersible in the Caribbean. The Ecuadorian man was released due to lack of evidence, while the Colombian citizen is facing prosecution. The Colombian government has expressed concern over these strikes, urging the U. S. to respect international law. Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized the focus on low-level traffickers, arguing that targeting cartel leaders would be more effective. "Killing the workers of the business is easy, but if you want efficiency, you have to capture the bosses of the business, " he stated. The Trump administration has defended these actions, claiming they are part of a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels. They argue that the narcotics these groups smuggle into the U. S. are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually, constituting an "armed attack. " However, critics, including Sen. Mark Kelly, have questioned the legal rationale and constitutionality of these strikes. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed frustration, demanding congressional authorization for these operations. They also question the evidence supporting the claim that these vessels are carrying drugs. Sen. Kelly pointed out that the routes through the Caribbean are primarily used to traffic cocaine to Europe, not the U. S. President Trump has been vocal about his administration's stance, stating they will continue to target those involved in drug trafficking. He hinted at potential land strikes in the future, suggesting that Congress would likely support such actions. "The drugs coming in by sea are like 5% of what they were a year ago, less than 5%. So now they're coming in by land, " he said.