The UN's human rights chief has condemned US military strikes on vessels allegedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific, saying the lethal attacks violate international law and amount to extrajudicial killing. Volker Türk said on Friday that more than 60 people have reportedly been killed in US strikes since early September.
Calling the attacks unacceptable, he urged Washington to halt them immediately and to conduct prompt, independent and transparent investigations.
President Donald Trump has argued that the strikes are essential to stem the flow of drugs into the US and believes he has the legal authority to continue such operations in international waters.
Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth stated that the US is targeting vessels operated by drug-trafficking groups designated as terrorist organisations, claiming, the Western Hemisphere is no longer a safe haven for narco-terrorists bringing drugs to our shores to poison Americans.
However, Türk has expressed that the circumstances surrounding these deadly strikes find no justification in international law. He indicated that law enforcement should be the primary approach to counter drug trafficking across borders, emphasizing that the intentional use of lethal force is only permissible as a last resort against individuals posing an imminent threat to life.
Most strikes have occurred off the coast of South America in the Caribbean; this week alone, attacks in the Pacific apparently killed at least 18 people. The escalation of US military presence, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, has drawn condemnation from regional governments, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urging respect for international treaties.
The strikes have strained US relations with Colombia and Venezuela, with accusations exchanged regarding drug trafficking and efforts to undermine governments. US sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro have also heightened tensions.
The UN's critiques and the opposition from Latin American governments underscore a growing discontent with US policies that impact the sovereignty of nations involved and raise fundamental questions about the legality and ethics of such military operations.
Calling the attacks unacceptable, he urged Washington to halt them immediately and to conduct prompt, independent and transparent investigations.
President Donald Trump has argued that the strikes are essential to stem the flow of drugs into the US and believes he has the legal authority to continue such operations in international waters.
Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth stated that the US is targeting vessels operated by drug-trafficking groups designated as terrorist organisations, claiming, the Western Hemisphere is no longer a safe haven for narco-terrorists bringing drugs to our shores to poison Americans.
However, Türk has expressed that the circumstances surrounding these deadly strikes find no justification in international law. He indicated that law enforcement should be the primary approach to counter drug trafficking across borders, emphasizing that the intentional use of lethal force is only permissible as a last resort against individuals posing an imminent threat to life.
Most strikes have occurred off the coast of South America in the Caribbean; this week alone, attacks in the Pacific apparently killed at least 18 people. The escalation of US military presence, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, has drawn condemnation from regional governments, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urging respect for international treaties.
The strikes have strained US relations with Colombia and Venezuela, with accusations exchanged regarding drug trafficking and efforts to undermine governments. US sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro have also heightened tensions.
The UN's critiques and the opposition from Latin American governments underscore a growing discontent with US policies that impact the sovereignty of nations involved and raise fundamental questions about the legality and ethics of such military operations.
