Eastern Pacific Ocean Sees Another U.S. Attack on Suspected Drug Smuggling Vessel
In a recent development, the eastern Pacific Ocean became the scene of yet another military offensive by the United States. A boat, suspected of drug smuggling, was targeted, resulting in the immediate deaths of two individuals. Six others onboard managed to survive. This incident marks an ongoing effort by the U.S. to tackle supposed drug trafficking operations in Latin America.
Increasing Frequency of Strikes
This latest offensive is one among over 60 that have occurred. Since the initiation of this operation in early September, over 210 individuals have lost their lives due to these military strikes. The primary target of these operations are individuals labelled as "narcoterrorists".
The aftermath of this particular strike and the fate of the survivors is currently uncertain. In similar instances, like the one that occurred on June 16 which also had survivors, the U.S. Central Command reported the incident to the U.S. Coast Guard. However, the Coast Guard called off their search for survivors a day later upon finding neither survivors nor debris. They have not commented on this recent strike.
Targeting Known Smuggling Routes
Most of these military offensives in the eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea have been carried out along identified smuggling routes. Despite this, the military has not disclosed any concrete evidence to prove that the boat was indeed carrying drugs.
A monochromatic video was released showing a boat being hit by a projectile, causing it to burst into flames.
The Justification for These Attacks
The American President has declared that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict" with the Latin American cartels. He has justified these strikes as an essential step to reduce the influx of drugs into the U.S., thereby curbing the number of fatal overdose cases. The administration, however, has not provided significant evidence to back up its claims of eliminating "narcoterrorists".
These strikes have been met with criticism, questioning their general legality and efficacy. Critics argue that fentanyl, which is responsible for many fatal overdoses in the U.S., is usually smuggled overland from Mexico, where it is produced using chemicals imported from China and India.
Lawmakers Demand Transparency
Recently, lawmakers demanded that the Pentagon release the "unedited video" of the first ever strike conducted by the military. This demand comes in light of reports suggesting that a subsequent strike was carried out on the survivors of the initial attack.
While two men managed to survive the initial strike that killed nine, they were killed when the vessel was hit again. The White House confirmed the subsequent strike, stating that it was executed in "self-defense" to ensure the complete destruction of the boat, in compliance with the laws of armed conflict.
However, some legal experts have argued that a second strike on survivors would be illegal under any circumstances, regardless of whether it is during an armed conflict or not.
In a recent development, the eastern Pacific Ocean became the scene of yet another military offensive by the United States. A boat, suspected of drug smuggling, was targeted, resulting in the immediate deaths of two individuals. Six others onboard managed to survive. This incident marks an ongoing effort by the U.S. to tackle supposed drug trafficking operations in Latin America.
Increasing Frequency of Strikes
This latest offensive is one among over 60 that have occurred. Since the initiation of this operation in early September, over 210 individuals have lost their lives due to these military strikes. The primary target of these operations are individuals labelled as "narcoterrorists".
The aftermath of this particular strike and the fate of the survivors is currently uncertain. In similar instances, like the one that occurred on June 16 which also had survivors, the U.S. Central Command reported the incident to the U.S. Coast Guard. However, the Coast Guard called off their search for survivors a day later upon finding neither survivors nor debris. They have not commented on this recent strike.
Targeting Known Smuggling Routes
Most of these military offensives in the eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea have been carried out along identified smuggling routes. Despite this, the military has not disclosed any concrete evidence to prove that the boat was indeed carrying drugs.
A monochromatic video was released showing a boat being hit by a projectile, causing it to burst into flames.
The Justification for These Attacks
The American President has declared that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict" with the Latin American cartels. He has justified these strikes as an essential step to reduce the influx of drugs into the U.S., thereby curbing the number of fatal overdose cases. The administration, however, has not provided significant evidence to back up its claims of eliminating "narcoterrorists".
These strikes have been met with criticism, questioning their general legality and efficacy. Critics argue that fentanyl, which is responsible for many fatal overdoses in the U.S., is usually smuggled overland from Mexico, where it is produced using chemicals imported from China and India.
Lawmakers Demand Transparency
Recently, lawmakers demanded that the Pentagon release the "unedited video" of the first ever strike conducted by the military. This demand comes in light of reports suggesting that a subsequent strike was carried out on the survivors of the initial attack.
While two men managed to survive the initial strike that killed nine, they were killed when the vessel was hit again. The White House confirmed the subsequent strike, stating that it was executed in "self-defense" to ensure the complete destruction of the boat, in compliance with the laws of armed conflict.
However, some legal experts have argued that a second strike on survivors would be illegal under any circumstances, regardless of whether it is during an armed conflict or not.