U.S. Military Actions Against Drug Trafficking in Pacific

The U.S. military recently conducted a strike against an alleged drug vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in one death. This action was part of a broader campaign that has seen at least 29 vessels targeted since early September, with a reported 105 fatalities, according to CBS News.

The U.S. Southern Command stated the vessel was transiting known narco-trafficking routes and was associated with a designated terrorist organization, though specifics were not disclosed. Critics, including some congressional members and human rights activists, have raised concerns about the legality of these strikes, citing a lack of evidence that the vessels were indeed trafficking drugs.

The Trump administration has positioned these military actions as necessary to combat drug trafficking and exert pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has been accused of collaborating with drug cartels.

Additionally, U.S. Coast Guard efforts to intercept oil tankers linked to Venezuela have intensified, further complicating regional dynamics. The strikes have drawn pushback from both Colombian and Venezuelan governments, with accusations of U.S. overreach and calls for accountability in these military operations.

The military's justification for these operations hinges on the characterization of the ongoing conflict with cartels as a 'non-international armed conflict,' raising significant questions about the authority and parameters of such actions in international waters.