The United States (US) military has launched airstrikes on a drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, as it persists with lethal air strikes that have claimed the lives of at least 130 individuals since September 2025.
The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), responsible for overseeing military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, announced that US forces executed a “lethal kinetic strike” on Friday, which resulted in the death of three individuals.
The US military reiterated its assertion, without presenting any supporting evidence, that it was targeting individuals suspected of engaging in drug trafficking.
Experts in international law and human rights have consistently stated that such strikes constitute extrajudicial executions, even if the individuals targeted are alleged to be involved in drug trafficking.
As reported by monitoring groups and media organizations, the United States has conducted approximately 37 strikes against 39 vessels in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea,
The strikes have claimed at least 130 fatalities, including an incident earlier this week that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
President Donald Trump’s administration commenced its efforts to target purported smuggling vessels in early September, asserting that it is effectively engaged in a conflict with alleged “narco-terrorists” based in Venezuela.
The recent operation occurs almost six weeks following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by US special forces, who had claimed that the American series of strikes was intended to facilitate regime change in the South American nation.
The leftist leader is currently imprisoned in the US, where he has entered a plea of not guilty to charges related to drugs and weapons.
US airstrikes on drug trafficking boats
Earlier In November 2025, the United States executed an assault on a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of three individuals on board.
The US Southern Command stated in a social media post, “Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was engaged in illegal narcotics smuggling, navigating a recognized narco-trafficking route, and transporting narcotics.”
This development coincided with Donald Trump’s remarks indicating that the US might initiate discussions with Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, who is experiencing increasing pressure from Washington amidst a significant US military presence in the Caribbean.
The Trump administration has asserted that it possesses the legal authority to conduct these strikes, with the justice department offering a legal opinion that supports this action and contends that US military personnel executing the operations are shielded from prosecution.
Furthermore, the administration has not publicly clarified the legal rationale for opting to attack the vessels instead of intercepting them and detaining those aboard.
