US Navy vessel strikes object in Caribbean Sea, killing three personnel

US Military Conducts Strike on Suspected Drug Smugglers in Caribbean Sea

A strike by the United States military in the Caribbean Sea has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, according to officials from the Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The attack targeted a small boat that was allegedly involved in narco-trafficking operations. Footage released by SOUTHCOM shows the vessel exploding and catching fire after the strike.

The incident brings the total number of fatalities attributed to US military strikes against suspected drug smugglers to approximately 150, according to officials. The strikes began last year as part of a broader effort to combat narco-trafficking in the region.

Rights advocates have expressed concerns about the impact of these strikes on international and domestic laws. The US administration has stated that all targeted boats were carrying drugs, but has provided limited evidence to support this claim.

The United Nations has warned that the attacks “appear to be unlawful killings carried out by order of a Government” without due process. International maritime laws also prohibit unprovoked attacks on international waters.

A separate strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat on Friday resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The campaign continues despite criticism from some officials, including former President Donald Trump, who has argued that each bombing saves thousands of lives from overdose deaths.

Mexican authorities have recently increased efforts to curb violence by drug cartels following the killing of a prominent cartel leader. Meanwhile, US officials have accused critics in Latin America of ties to the drug trade, while also pardoning individuals convicted of related crimes.

Source: Al Jazeera