Context:

From September 2 to October 29, the US military conducted 15 strikes against vessels in international waters, resulting in 64 fatalities and the destruction of 16 boats, as part of a campaign to combat drug trafficking. The Trump administration characterized these actions as an 'armed conflict' against drug cartels, designating those killed as 'unlawful combatants,' a classification that has drawn scrutiny from Congress and human rights advocates due to the lack of public evidence linking these vessels to narcotics. These military operations sparked tensions with Venezuela and Colombia, with leaders from those countries condemning the strikes as acts of aggression. As the US expands its military presence in the region, the actions raise questions about the future of US foreign policy in Latin America and the legal implications of such strikes. Continued military operations may further escalate diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and impact the approach to drug trafficking.

Dive Deeper:

• The first strike occurred on September 2, targeting a vessel allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua cartel, with Defense Department officials unable to confirm the presence of narcotics onboard during congressional briefings. This strike killed 11 people.

• Following the first attack, the US military conducted a second strike on September 15, resulting in three deaths and occurring amid heightened tensions with Venezuela, where President Maduro condemned the strikes as 'serial executions.'

• On September 19, Trump announced a third strike and claimed intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, leading to three additional fatalities, while the US military maintained its narrative of combating narco-terrorism.

• The Pentagon later described the drug trafficking cartels as 'designated terrorist organizations,' asserting that cartel members are 'unlawful combatants,' which has raised legal concerns regarding the classification and justification for lethal force.

• The strikes expanded into the Pacific by October 21 and 22, with attacks resulting in multiple casualties, indicating a broadening of military engagement with drug trafficking operations beyond the Caribbean.

• The campaign has sparked diplomatic tensions, particularly with Colombian President Gustavo Petro calling for accountability after civilian casualties, prompting Trump to threaten the cancellation of US aid to Colombia.

• As of late October, the US military indicated it would continue these operations with further strikes planned, emphasizing a commitment to targeting those involved in drug trafficking along known routes, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the lack of judicial oversight.