Four confirmed dead in 20th attack on a vessel in the Caribbean.
Tensions in Latin America are escalating as the United States military intensifies its operations in the region, following its latest airstrike that resulted in the deaths of four individuals. This incident, part of a broader pattern of military actions against suspected drug traffickers, has raised significant concerns about international law and the approach of the Trump administration towards Venezuela as discussions of possible military intervention gain traction.
The United States military confirmed that four individuals were killed in a strike on a boat in international waters, marking the 20th reported attack on vessels in both the Caribbean and Pacific. US officials from President Donald Trump’s administration have reportedly been engaging in discussions regarding possible military operations in Venezuela, reflecting a growing military presence in the region.
In a recent post on X, the US Southern Command announced that the strike, authorized by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, was aimed at a vessel allegedly “trafficking narcotics,” although no evidence was provided to support this claim. Accompanying the announcement, Southern Command released a video showing the boat traveling before it was struck and exploded.
Experts in international law and human rights have expressed concern over these military operations, arguing that they constitute extrajudicial executions, irrespective of the targets’ alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The Trump administration has carried out at least 20 military strikes against suspected drug vessels in recent months, resulting in approximately 80 fatalities.
Reports indicate that senior officials in the Trump administration have convened multiple meetings to evaluate options for military action against Venezuela, further heightening tensions in the region. This military escalation has coincided with a significant increase in US military assets in Latin America, including F-35 aircraft, warships, and a nuclear submarine.
The Pentagon recently announced that the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which includes the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has deployed to the Caribbean with more than 4,000 sailors and a variety of tactical aircraft. Overall, there are around 12,000 US sailors and Marines currently operating in the region under what Secretary Hegseth has formally designated as “Operation Southern Spear.”
According to the US Constitution, Congress holds the exclusive authority to declare war; however, President Trump has indicated that he might not seek a formal declaration to justify ongoing military actions against entities he believes are responsible for drug trafficking.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reflected public sentiment on the issue, revealing that only 29 percent of Americans supported the extrajudicial killings of suspected traffickers. Additionally, a mere 21 percent favored military intervention in Venezuela.
The ongoing military buildup has drawn criticism from various leaders across Central and South America, who argue that these actions violate a 2014 agreement that established the region as a “Zone of Peace.” The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), consisting of 33 countries, had endorsed this declaration in Cuba, notably excluding the United States.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez described the US military deployments as provocations that threaten the sovereignty of Latin American nations. Leaders such as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have openly condemned the US strikes. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro also criticized the situation, asserting that the Trump administration is attempting to create a state of perpetual conflict in the region and signaling that Venezuela is ready to respond with a significant military presence in anticipation of potential attacks.
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