Lethal Strikes on Boats: US Policy or Lawless Warfare?

International Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-10-29 20:42:35 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-13 20:33:50

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Lethal Strikes on Boats: US Policy or Lawless Warfare?

In a startling revelation, the United States has conducted its 11th lethal strike on boats in the Pacific Ocean in recent months, a strategy that has raised eyebrows and sparked intense debate. With each strike, the Trump administration has authorized the use of military force against alleged drug-running vessels, a far cry from the traditional law enforcement approach to maritime drug smuggling.

The latest operation, as described by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, resulted in three kinetic strikes on four vessels, leaving 14 people dead and only one survivor. This survivor's fate remains unclear, with Mexico claiming to have rescued them but providing no further details. The Mexican government, through President Claudia Sheinbaum, has voiced strong opposition to these attacks, demanding respect for international treaties and a review of this controversial strategy.

The strikes have garnered criticism from various quarters, with legal scholars questioning their legality under international law. The lack of transparency and accountability is concerning, as these operations seem to bypass the judicial process entirely. The administration's justification for these deadly actions remains largely undisclosed, leaving many to wonder if suspicion alone is now the threshold for executing airstrikes in international waters.

As the death toll from these strikes reaches at least 57, the debate transcends political divides. Senators from both parties have expressed concerns, emphasizing the need for a legal basis and questioning the abandonment of due process. This shift in policy has profound implications for the rule of law and democracy, as it sets a precedent for lethal force without concrete evidence or trial. The world watches as the United States grapples with this critical juncture, where the balance between security and justice hangs in the balance.