The U.S. military’s recent operations targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean have led to a tragic toll of 199 lives lost. These strikes, initiated under the Trump administration last September, have stirred controversy and raised questions about their legality and ethical implications.

Operations and Outcomes

The U.S. Southern Command has been conducting these operations as part of a declared war on Latin American drug cartels. Despite the intent to curb illegal drug trafficking, the operations have resulted in significant loss of life, including at least 22 individuals who initially survived strikes only to later perish at sea.

In recent incidents, three individuals survived two separate strikes this month but were not found thereafter. The U.S. Southern Command reports any survivors to the U.S. Coast Guard, which then communicates with countries closer to the strike locations. However, Mexico’s navy, which received alerts from the U.S. Coast Guard, did not report any survivors from the recent strikes.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The operations have drawn criticism, particularly after revelations that some survivors of initial strikes were targeted again, resulting in their deaths. Legal experts have suggested that such actions could violate international laws governing armed conflict. In response, the Pentagon’s inspector general has announced an evaluation of whether the U.S. military adhered to the established six-phase Joint Targeting Cycle during these operations, though the legality of the strikes themselves is not under review.

To date, only three individuals are known to have survived the strikes and subsequently been rescued. Two were rescued from a semi-submersible vessel in October and returned to Ecuador and Colombia, while another survivor was transferred to Costa Rican authorities in March after being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Implications and Reactions

The ongoing operations and their consequences have sparked a broader debate about the balance between national security efforts and adherence to international humanitarian laws. As the Pentagon continues its evaluation, the international community and legal experts remain attentive to the outcomes and any potential policy adjustments that may arise.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.