What's happened
The US Southern Command conducted three military strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11 individuals suspected of drug trafficking. The campaign, initiated in September 2025, has resulted in at least 144 deaths amid widespread legal and human rights criticism over its legality and transparency.
What's behind the headline?
The US military's campaign against suspected drug traffickers raises serious legal and ethical questions. The repeated use of lethal force without transparent evidence or judicial process suggests a shift towards extrajudicial executions, undermining international law. The administration's claims of an armed conflict with narco-terrorists are disputed by legal experts, who emphasize that no imminent threat justifies such strikes. The campaign's escalation, including strikes on both sides of the Panama Canal, indicates a broader effort to disrupt drug flows, but it risks significant human rights violations and diplomatic fallout. The lack of transparency and accountability could erode US credibility and invite international sanctions or legal challenges, especially as families seek justice through courts and human rights bodies.
What the papers say
The articles from Al Jazeera and The New York Times present contrasting perspectives. Al Jazeera emphasizes the US military's claims of targeting narco-terrorists and reports the death toll as at least 144, highlighting the controversy over legality and human rights concerns. The New York Times provides detailed accounts of the strikes, noting the increasing frequency and the legal criticisms from experts who deem the actions extrajudicial killings. Both sources underscore the lack of evidence provided by US authorities and the international criticism, but Al Jazeera also reports on legal actions by families claiming wrongful death, adding a human dimension to the story. The debate over legality and morality remains central, with critics arguing the campaign violates international law, while US officials maintain it is a necessary measure against drug trafficking.
How we got here
The US began targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels in September 2025, claiming to combat narco-trafficking from Latin America. The campaign expanded from the Caribbean to the Pacific, with the US military asserting these vessels are engaged in trafficking along known routes. Critics argue the strikes amount to extrajudicial killings, with no evidence provided to substantiate the targets' involvement in criminal activity. International bodies, including the UN, have called for a halt, citing violations of international law.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is the US doing in the Pacific to fight drugs?
The US has recently stepped up its military operations in the Pacific region, targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking. These strikes aim to disrupt drug cartels and reduce narco-trafficking, but they also raise questions about legality and human impact. Below, we explore what these operations involve, their effectiveness, and the broader implications for international law and human rights.
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Why Is the US Targeting Vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean?
The US military has recently conducted strikes on vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean, claiming they are involved in drug trafficking. This has raised many questions about the reasons behind these actions, their legality, and their impact. In this page, we explore the motivations, evidence, and consequences of these military operations to help you understand what’s really happening.
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Are US Strikes on Vessels Legal Under International Law?
The US military has recently conducted strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, claiming they are involved in drug trafficking. However, the legality of these actions under international law is a complex issue that raises many questions. Are these strikes justified? What legal frameworks do they fall under? And what are the broader implications for international relations? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these military operations and their legal standing.
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Are US Strikes in Latin America Legal?
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Why Did the US Launch a Strike in the Caribbean?
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