A recent US military operation has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ongoing "war on drugs". In a bold move, the US military claims to have targeted and destroyed two boats suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in the loss of five lives.
The US Southern Command remains tight-lipped about the exact location of these strikes, but it's no secret that US forces have been actively pursuing vessels suspected of smuggling narcotics into the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific for months.
This latest incident follows a similar strike just a day prior, where the US targeted a convoy of three vessels, resulting in at least three fatalities. The Trump administration has framed these operations as a non-international armed conflict, but legal experts are questioning the legality of such actions.
Since the start of the "war on drugs", there have been over 30 strikes on vessels, with a death toll exceeding 110 individuals. The very first attack, which took place on September 2nd, has drawn particular attention from lawmakers due to the controversial "double-tap" strike.
In this incident, two survivors of the initial strike were tragically killed when US forces struck the targeted boat a second time. Some lawmakers have expressed concern that this action may have violated the rules of engagement.
The US Southern Command's announcement regarding the December 30th strike on a convoy of three boats provides an interesting insight. They claim that there were survivors, but the exact number remains unspecified. The statement further alleges that the remaining "narco-terrorists" abandoned their vessels and attempted to escape, only to have their boats sunk by follow-on engagements.
The US Coast Guard was reportedly notified immediately to search for these survivors, but the fate of these individuals remains unknown.
Despite the lack of evidence provided by the US to substantiate their claims of drug trafficking, the Southern Command continues to assert that intelligence confirms the vessels' involvement in narco-trafficking activities.
This ongoing operation has sparked a heated debate, with some questioning the tactics employed and the potential violation of international laws. What are your thoughts on this controversial issue? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a respectful discussion in the comments below.
