U.S. Military Under Fire for Deadly Interdictions in Caribbean and Pacific
Washington D.C. – The U.S. military is facing mounting criticism following a series of air strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific ocean, resulting in at least 91 confirmed deaths since september. Recent revelations suggest a especially controversial incident involved the deliberate targeting of survivors clinging to wreckage.
According to sources within the Senate,Admiral Frank Bradley briefed congressional committees in a closed-door session,stating the initial target vessel was observed traveling alongside a larger ship perhaps bound for Suriname wiht illicit narcotics.Intelligence reports suggested a possible drug connection, prompting the military action.
Though, details emerging from a Pentagon video shown to members of Congress paint a disturbing picture. Democratic Congressman Jim Himes described the footage as depicting “two individuals clearly in distress, without any means of transportation,” who were subsequently killed by a second U.S. strike. The armed forces confirm the initial attack split the vessel in two, followed by three additional strikes that eliminated the two survivors attempting to stay afloat. Admiral Bradley acknowledged the survivors waved an object before the second attack, but their intent – surrender or a plea for help – remains unclear.
The operation, which resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, has drawn sharp rebuke from lawmakers and human rights advocates. The Washington Post reported that the second attack was authorized by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Concerns are escalating over a lack of concrete evidence linking the targeted vessels to drug trafficking. to date, the U.S. military has conducted at least 22 such air strikes without publicly presenting proof of the vessels’ involvement in illegal activities.
Adding to the controversy,the family of a Colombian fisherman has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights,alleging an “extrajudicial execution” during a separate September attack in the Pacific. On Thursday, the U.S. military announced another strike in the Pacific, claiming to have killed four alleged drug traffickers.
The escalating military activity is occurring alongside heightened tensions surrounding Venezuela. President Donald Trump stated wednesday that operations around the country extend beyond a simple pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro, hinting at the possibility of future land-based operations mirroring those currently underway in international waters.
The incidents are fueling a debate over the scope and legality of U.S. counter-narcotics operations and raising serious questions about the rules of engagement and accountability for civilian casualties.
