US Confirms 157 Killed in Maritime Strikes Described as Extrajudicial

US Military Confirms Strikes on Alleged Drug-Trafficking Vessels

The United States military has confirmed that at least 157 people have been killed in strikes targeting vessels suspected of carrying illicit drugs off the coast of Latin America. In a written statement to members of Congress, senior defense official Joseph Humire reported that 47 “narco-trafficking vessels” had been struck since the campaign began in September.

According to Humire, the movement of drug-trafficking vessels has decreased by 20 percent in the Caribbean region. However, representatives from Congress have expressed skepticism about the impact of these strikes on the overall quantity of drugs entering the US.

The Pentagon has shared videos of the strikes on social media, but has provided limited information about those killed or evidence of their status as drug vessels. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is holding hearings on the strikes, which may lead to possible legal accountability for those responsible.

The administration of President Donald Trump has adopted a militarized approach to combating drug trafficking, expanding US military presence in the region and collaborating with friendly governments such as Ecuador. The US has also threatened military strikes against countries like Mexico and Colombia if they do not meet certain demands.

The campaign has been criticized by legal experts, who argue that it blurs the distinction between armed conflict and criminal activity, violating international law.

Source: Al Jazeera