Battle Against Drug Trafficking in Latin America Claims More Lives
In a continuous fight against drug trafficking, American military forces have taken down another boat alleged to be involved in the illegal activity in the Caribbean. This most recent operation has led to the death of three individuals, raising the total number of casualties in the ongoing campaign to around 70.
Targeting Suspected Drug Traffickers
The operations started in early September, focusing on boats in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific. The aim is to strike down on those suspected of drug trafficking. However, some experts question these actions, suggesting they could be considered extrajudicial killings, even when the targets are known traffickers.
Impact of the Operations
Thus far, these operations have resulted in the destruction of around 18 vessels, 17 of them being boats and one a semi-submersible. However, there is yet to be any public evidence showing that these targets were indeed involved in narcotics smuggling or posed any threat to the United States.
The Defense Secretary shared a video of the most recent operation, which he stated was carried out in international waters and targeted a vessel run by a designated terrorist organization. No harm came to any American forces during this operation.
Warning to Traffickers
In a stern message to those involved in narcotics trafficking, the Defense Secretary stated: "If you want to continue living, stop trafficking drugs. If you persist in trafficking deadly drugs – we will take you down."
Some parts of the boat shown in the video released by the government were intentionally obscured for unknown reasons.
Military Build-up in Latin America
The current administration has been amassing substantial forces in Latin America, asserting that it is part of their campaign to eradicate drug trafficking. Up to six Navy ships have been deployed in the Caribbean, F-35 stealth warplanes have been sent to Puerto Rico, and the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group has been ordered to the region.
Expansion of the Campaign
Despite opposition, the current administration continues to have the unchecked power to expand its military campaign against drug trafficking. There are various options being considered for military action in Latin America, and legal advice is being sought to expand the range of targets beyond boats.
Concerns about Civilian Casualties
The governments and families of those who lost their lives in these operations have expressed concerns, claiming many of the victims were civilians, mainly fishers. Venezuela’s president has continuously argued that the aim of these operations is to remove him from power.
Show of Force
American bombers have also conducted shows of force near Venezuela, flying over the Caribbean Sea off the country’s coast on multiple occasions since mid-October. The administration has informed Congress that the United States is engaged in “armed conflict” with Latin American drug cartels, labeling them as terrorist groups as part of its justification for the strikes.