In October 2025, the U.S. military extended its campaign against alleged drug-trafficking vessels from the Caribbean to the Eastern Pacific. This operation, authorized by President Trump, targets small, unflagged boats suspected of smuggling cocaine to the U.S.
Story Highlights
- U.S. military strikes unflagged vessel in Eastern Pacific, killing four.
- Part of a broader campaign against “narcoterrorist” groups in the region.
- Campaign has resulted in 26 strikes and at least 99 deaths.
- Lack of public evidence fuels debate over legality and ethics.
U.S. Military Campaign Expands to Eastern Pacific
The Pentagon has not publicly presented evidence linking the attacked vessels to drugs or terrorist groups, raising concerns over the legality of these actions.
The U.S. has conducted at least 26 strikes, resulting in the deaths of 99 individuals. Critics argue that the campaign’s reliance on air-delivered lethal force is a significant escalation from traditional interdiction efforts, which typically involve boarding and arresting suspects.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The legal rationale for these strikes is based on a controversial Office of Legal Counsel memo. This memo argues that targeting unflagged vessels is lawful because drug profits finance violence. This justification has been criticized by legal experts who claim it stretches both domestic and international law boundaries. The campaign has sparked diplomatic tensions, particularly with Mexico, whose President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly opposed the strikes.
The lack of public evidence and low survival rate from these operations suggest a shoot-to-kill policy, further fueling ethical debates. The absence of transparent target verification increases the risk of misidentifying innocent mariners as traffickers.
Implications for U.S. Policy and International Law
The ongoing strikes may set a precedent for the use of military force in international waters against suspected criminals. This shift from law enforcement to military engagement raises concerns about eroding distinctions between policing and warfare. If sustained, other nations might justify similar actions under the guise of targeting criminal activities, potentially undermining established international maritime laws.
U.S. strikes another alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific, killing 4, Pentagon says https://t.co/7hfPOP6TmT
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 18, 2025
Moreover, the campaign’s impact on regional relationships and U.S. domestic policy could lead to congressional inquiries and legal challenges. The potential for innocent casualties and economic disruption in affected communities could further complicate the U.S.’s diplomatic standing in Latin America.
Sources:
2025 United States military strikes on alleged drug traffickers
