U.S. Conducts 20th Attack on Alleged Drug Traffickers in Caribbean

The United States government conducted its 20th attack on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea on November 10, 2023. A Pentagon official confirmed to NBC News that the strike resulted in the deaths of four individuals, bringing the total fatalities from these operations to 79. These attacks have targeted boats allegedly linked to narcotics trafficking and the Tren de Aragua gang, with the U.S. ramping up its military presence in the region.

The recent escalation began in late October when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. Since then, at least three similar strikes have occurred this month, with reported casualties of three, two, and six individuals, respectively. The U.S. administration has justified these actions as necessary measures against what it describes as an ongoing “armed conflict” with terrorist organizations involved in drug trafficking.

Concerns regarding the legality of these strikes have emerged, particularly from international allies. Sources indicate that the United Kingdom is withholding certain intelligence from the U.S. as a precaution. This apprehension was echoed by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who criticized President Donald Trump, labeling the attacks as “barbaric.” Petro characterized the U.S. military actions as “undoubtedly an aggression against Latin America.”

In a confidential notice to Congress, the White House classified the involved cartels as non-state armed groups, designating them as terrorist organizations. The notice stated, “The President determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations.” This classification has allowed the administration to conduct military operations without seeking formal congressional approval.

Trump has faced criticism from members of Congress, particularly following a narrow Senate vote earlier this month that failed to pass a measure requiring legislative approval for these military strikes. The proposal received support from two Republicans, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul, as well as all Senate Democrats.

Defending his administration’s stance, Trump remarked that he does not see a need for a formal declaration of war to continue these strikes. He stated, “I don’t think we’re necessarily going to ask for a declaration of war. I think we’re just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country.”

Furthermore, Trump acknowledged authorizing CIA activity in Venezuela, stating that the decision was based on two primary concerns: the influx of individuals released from Venezuelan prisons and the ongoing drug trafficking issues. He emphasized, “We have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela,” underlining the administration’s commitment to addressing drug-related threats.

As the situation develops, the implications of these military strikes raise significant questions about international law, U.S. foreign policy, and regional stability in Latin America.