The United States military has confirmed that it executed three strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels operating in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals. The strikes were conducted in support of a sustained initiative known as Operation Southern Spear, as stated by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). This operation targets activities associated with regional drug cartels.
The operations took place late on a Monday, with two strikes occurring in the Eastern Pacific and one in the Caribbean. According to SOUTHCOM’s communication, the casualties included four individuals killed on each of the two vessels in the Eastern Pacific, along with three fatalities from the vessel in the Caribbean.
Controversy Surrounding Military Campaign
This military campaign has been a feature of the Trump administration’s strategy since it began attacking suspected drug-trafficking boats on September 2, 2022. The administration has framed this operation as a means to curb the influx of narcotics entering the United States. However, legal scholars have criticized these actions as extrajudicial killings.
Since the inception of the campaign, over 145 individuals have reportedly died in 42 military strikes. Despite government assertions regarding the targeting of drug-traffickers, the identities of those killed have not been made public, nor has definitive evidence been provided to corroborate that they were indeed involved in drug trafficking activities.
Families of Victims Seeking Justice
Families in countries such as Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago have begun to identify the deceased as their relatives, with some claimed to be fishermen or temporary laborers migrating from Venezuela to nearby islands. This has led to some families pursuing legal recourse in response to the casualties.
For instance, in December 2025, the relatives of a missing fisherman named Alejandro Carranza submitted a petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Additionally, in January 2026, family members of two Trinidadian workers, Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the US government in Massachusetts.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
Despite the US government’s assertion of being engaged in an armed conflict with drug-trafficking organizations, international law experts have contested this claim, stating that no valid armed conflict exists, and that the military actions being taken amount to a misuse of lethal force against non-military criminal offenses.
The situation has drawn criticism from officials within the United Nations, who have called for the cessation of US military strikes, highlighting potential violations of the UN Charter. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has pointed out that the individuals targeted did not present any imminent threat that would justify the use of lethal force under international law.
Continuation of Military Operations Despite Criticism
In defiance of growing scrutiny regarding the legality of its operations, the Trump administration has reaffirmed its commitment to this bombing campaign. The administration has also announced intentions to expand its offensive to include ground targets in addition to maritime enforcement. During a social media update, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth remarked on the timing of these actions, suggesting that drug trafficking would be severely challenged under the current administration.
