US Military's Drug Boat Strikes Raise Legal and Diplomatic Concerns

The US military has recently conducted its 21st attack on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific. This strike resulted in the deaths of three individuals aboard the boat. The US Southern Command asserted that intelligence confirmed the vessel's involvement in drug trafficking along a known route. This brings the total number of people killed in such strikes to 83. The US military employs a mix of fighter jets, drones, and gunships to target these alleged drug boats. The campaign aims to disrupt the flow of drugs into the US. However, the legality of these strikes has been questioned by experts. The Justice Department has informed Congress that the administration does not require its approval to carry out these operations. Diplomatic tensions have arisen due to these strikes. The United Kingdom has halted intelligence sharing with the US regarding suspected drug-trafficking vessels. The UK believes these strikes are illegal and does not want to be involved. Similarly, the president of Colombia has ordered his country to suspend intelligence sharing with the US until the attacks cease. The recent strike follows closely after the 20th attack on an alleged drug-trafficking boat. This ongoing campaign has sparked debates about its effectiveness and the legal implications of conducting such operations in international waters. The use of military force against drug trafficking has become a contentious issue, both domestically and internationally.