The United States military has confirmed that three individuals were killed during a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, as part of an ongoing anti-narcotics campaign that has drawn growing international scrutiny.
In a statement released on Sunday, the US Southern Command said the operation targeted a boat believed to be linked to what it described as “designated terrorist organisations” involved in drug trafficking across the region.
According to the military, the vessel was intercepted along a known smuggling route and was actively engaged in illicit activities at the time of the strike.
“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along established narco-trafficking corridors in the Caribbean,” the command stated.
“Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action.”
The latest incident adds to a rising number of similar operations carried out in recent months.
Military officials say at least six such strikes have been conducted in April alone, with the total number of people killed in these operations now estimated at no fewer than 180.
The campaign, which intensified under the administration of Donald Trump, has been framed by US authorities as part of a broader effort to combat what they term “narco-terrorism” in Latin America. Officials argue that the strategy is necessary to disrupt drug supply chains and weaken criminal networks operating in international waters.
However, the operations have sparked criticism from legal experts and human rights organisations, who question both the evidence used to justify the strikes and their compliance with international law.
“These actions raise serious legal concerns, particularly regarding the use of lethal force outside traditional conflict zones,” said one international law expert.
“There is little publicly available evidence to confirm that those targeted posed an imminent threat.”
Rights groups have also warned that the strikes may constitute extrajudicial killings, alleging that individuals on the vessels are being targeted without due process or clear proof of involvement in criminal activity.
Despite the backlash, US officials maintain that the operations are based on credible intelligence and are conducted in line with national security objectives.
