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The United States military has conducted another lethal strike in the Caribbean, destroying a small vessel and killing three alleged drug smugglers. U.S. Southern Command confirmed that the engagement occurred on Saturday, November 1st, in international waters off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago. This is the latest lethal operation in an intensified anti-narcotics campaign initiated by the Trump administration.
The operation is part of a broader, aggressive strategy to combat what the administration has labeled “narcoterrorist” organizations. Since early September, the U.S. has carried out over a dozen similar strikes in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, resulting in more than 60 fatalities. According to U.S. officials, these actions target vessels involved in trafficking massive quantities of cocaine and other illicit substances, particularly those linked to Venezuelan networks like the Cartel de los Soles and the Tren de Aragua gang.
The use of lethal force has sparked significant debate and even high-level resignations within the military. In October, Rear Adm. Daniel Cheever, the top legal adviser for U.S. Southern Command, unexpectedly resigned, raising questions about the legal framework underpinning the strikes. Critics, including some U.S. lawmakers and human rights advocates, argue that the policy amounts to an extrajudicial killing campaign and have called for greater transparency.
The White House has defended its actions, asserting it is in an “armed conflict” with the cartels, which it claims pose a direct threat to American national security. However, this justification is being closely scrutinized. This escalation marks a significant shift from previous counter-narcotics efforts, which typically focused on interception and arrest rather than lethal engagement. The ongoing series of military engagements against suspected smugglers continues to generate concern among Caribbean nations and questions about its long-term effectiveness and legal standing on the world stage.
