The U.S. military launched another deadly strike in the Caribbean, killing six people aboard a vessel allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday. It marked the ninth target in a controversial campaign that has claimed at least 40 lives.
Controversy Over Legality
Legal experts and lawmakers from both parties have questioned the strikes, arguing that lethal force against suspected traffickers violates international law and bypasses due process. Critics say the administration has yet to provide evidence that the vessels carried drugs.
Hegseth’s Warning to Cartels
Hegseth described the men killed as “narco-terrorists,” vowing relentless pursuit. “Day or night, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you,” he said in a statement defending the campaign.
White House Justification
President Donald Trump and Hegseth maintain the operations are lawful under Trump’s February designation of certain drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” The Pentagon claims the missions are meant to “change the psychology” of traffickers by instilling fear rather than relying on traditional interdiction methods.
Regional Fallout
The strikes have drawn sharp condemnation from Latin American leaders. Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the U.S. of “murder,” alleging one strike killed an innocent fisherman. In response, Trump said he would withhold U.S. aid and impose tariffs on Colombia.
Pushback in Congress
Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Tim Kaine attempted to curb the operations through legislation, but Republicans blocked the measure. Senator Rand Paul also criticized the approach, saying, “We don’t just summarily execute people — we present evidence and convict them.”
Despite mounting criticism, Trump suggested he may expand operations, hinting at possible strikes on land to target what he calls “Venezuelan cartel strongholds.”
For more on international affairs under Trump’s second administration, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.