US conducts lethal strike against drug trafficking vessel in Caribbean

The United States military has conducted another lethal strike against a vessel involved in narcotics trafficking operations in Caribbean international waters. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation Saturday, confirming three individuals aboard the suspect vessel were killed during the engagement.

Official Announcement and Strike Details

In an official social media statement, Secretary Hegseth described the action as a "lethal kinetic strike" directed against a vessel operated by what US authorities designate as a terrorist organization involved in drug trafficking. The defense secretary confirmed the vessel had been under intelligence surveillance for its involvement in illicit narcotics smuggling operations prior to the military action.

Casualties and Operational Context

According to the Pentagon announcement, three male individuals characterized as "narco-terrorists" were aboard the vessel during the strike and all were killed. US officials emphasized that no American military personnel sustained injuries during the operation. The incident represents the latest in a series of similar strikes that have resulted in at least 64 fatalities since September, with most operations conducted in Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean waters.

International Criticism and Legal Challenges

The escalating campaign of maritime strikes has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations and international legal experts. United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has characterized the attacks as "unacceptable" and called for independent investigations into what his office describes as extrajudicial killings. Legal experts have repeatedly questioned the operations' compliance with international law regarding the use of military force against civilian vessels.