Three Killed in Latest US Strike on Alleged Drug-Smuggling Boat in Caribbean

Photo Source: US Department of Defense

Three men were killed after a U.S. military strike targeted an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Saturday. The incident marks the latest in a growing series of maritime strikes conducted by the Trump administration against vessels it claims are linked to drug trafficking.

Strike and Official Justification

Hegseth said the vessel was operated by a designated terrorist organisation, though he did not specify which one. According to his statement, the boat was travelling in international waters along a known smuggling route and carrying narcotics, but no evidence has been made public to support those claims.

A video released alongside the announcement appeared to show a blurred boat moving across the water before it exploded. As with previous incidents, authorities released only grainy footage and offered limited details about those on board or the alleged illicit cargo.

Track Live Ships in The Area

Ongoing Campaign and Legal Concerns

Since the air and naval strikes began in September, the U.S. has intensified its operations against what it calls “narco-terrorists”. The administration has previously said some vessels targeted had departed from Venezuela.

However, the legality of these attacks has been increasingly challenged. The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, said on Friday that such actions were a breach of international law, stating:

“Over 60 people have reportedly been killed in a continuing series of attacks carried out by US armed forces... in circumstances that find no justification in international law.”

“These attacks – and their mounting human cost – are unacceptable.”

According to CBS News, at least 64 people have been killed by U.S. strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since early September.

Regional Backlash and Political Fallout

Latin American leaders have strongly condemned the strikes, particularly those whose citizens have been killed.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the attacks “murder” and said they were being used by the U.S. to “dominate” Latin America. Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro accused Washington of “fabricating a war”.

Following Petro’s criticism, the U.S. imposed sanctions on him and members of his inner circle and revoked Colombia’s certification as an ally in the war on drugs. Trump later threatened possible military action on Venezuelan territory, although he acknowledged this “may require the consent of the U.S. Congress.”