Volker Türk, the UN's human rights chief, has publicly condemned recent US military strikes on boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking, asserting that these attacks violate international law and constitute extrajudicial killings. Since early September, it has been reported that over 60 individuals have been killed in these military actions. Türk has described the strikes as unacceptable and urged the US to cease such operations immediately, calling for prompt and independent investigations.
US President Donald Trump has justified the strikes as essential for controlling the influx of drugs into the United States, claiming authority to conduct such actions in international waters. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth reinforced this stance, labeling the targeted vessels as operational by drug-trafficking groups identified as terrorist organizations.
However, Türk emphasized that the legal framework governing the use of lethal force is strictly limited. He pointed out that the conditions under which the US is executing these strikes are not justified and noted that the individuals reportedly targeted did not seem to pose an imminent threat to others.
The strikes, primarily concentrated along the Caribbean coasts, have raised alarms among regional leaders and experts about their legal implications. Both Democrat and Republican members of Congress have expressed concerns regarding the president's authorization of these military actions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated her government does not endorse the strikes and called for adherence to international treaties. Tensions have further escalated with the governments of Colombia and Venezuela due to increased US military presence and accusations of ineffectiveness in drug trafficking control.
US President Donald Trump has justified the strikes as essential for controlling the influx of drugs into the United States, claiming authority to conduct such actions in international waters. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth reinforced this stance, labeling the targeted vessels as operational by drug-trafficking groups identified as terrorist organizations.
However, Türk emphasized that the legal framework governing the use of lethal force is strictly limited. He pointed out that the conditions under which the US is executing these strikes are not justified and noted that the individuals reportedly targeted did not seem to pose an imminent threat to others.
The strikes, primarily concentrated along the Caribbean coasts, have raised alarms among regional leaders and experts about their legal implications. Both Democrat and Republican members of Congress have expressed concerns regarding the president's authorization of these military actions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated her government does not endorse the strikes and called for adherence to international treaties. Tensions have further escalated with the governments of Colombia and Venezuela due to increased US military presence and accusations of ineffectiveness in drug trafficking control.
