(Washington, D.C.) The U.S. military sank another suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, killing three people.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergesse posted on social media on Saturday (November 1) that the attacked vessel belonged to a "terrorist organization" designated by the U.S. government, attaching a video showing smoke billowing from the ship after the attack.
He said, "Based on our intelligence, this vessel, like all other vessels, was involved in illicit drug trafficking. There were three 'drug terrorists' on board at the time, and this operation was conducted in international waters." He added that the U.S. will continue to pursue and kill suspected drug traffickers.
Since September, the U.S. government has claimed that the U.S. military has sunk 15 drug-trafficking vessels in international waters of the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 65 deaths, drawing international criticism.
Experts say that even if the targeted vessels were indeed carrying drug traffickers, these actions are tantamount to extrajudicial killings. Washington has yet to release any evidence that the bombed vessels were smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Türk stated that the US military launched the attack without any justification under international law, adding that the US must take all necessary measures to prevent the unlawful execution of those on board, regardless of the alleged crimes they were accused of.
In early October, the Trump administration submitted a memorandum to Congress claiming that the US was in a non-international armed conflict with drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations by the US. Democratic lawmakers accused the Trump administration of abusing its power and providing no legal basis, evidence, or intelligence. The Russian Foreign Ministry also condemned the excessive US military deployment in the Caribbean on Saturday.
