U.S. Armed Forces conducted an attack against a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean this Thursday, resulting in two fatalities, according to the U.S. Southern Command.
“On February 5, by order of the Commander of the Southern Command, General Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a lethal attack against a vessel operated by organizations designated as terrorist organizations,” the Southern Command informed on X, adding that no U.S. Military personnel were injured in the operation.
Donovan assumed command of the Southern Command this Thursday.
This attack is the second known this year. Another in January resulted in two deaths and one survivor.
The government has presented little public evidence linking those killed in the campaign to drug cartels or that all the vessels were carrying drugs. Military officials have acknowledged in Congressional hearings that they do not know the identities of all individuals aboard the destroyed vessels.
The Trump administration has informed Congress that the United States is in an “armed conflict” against drug cartels.
U.S. Officials have presented the attacks on vessels and increased military presence in the Caribbean as a way to curb the flow of drugs into the United States, though they privately acknowledged the pressure campaign also sought the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Earlier in January, U.S. Armed Forces captured Maduro in Caracas and transported him to New York to face criminal charges, to which he pleaded innocent last month.
Some members of Congress and human rights organizations have questioned the basis of the attacks, arguing that suspected drug traffickers should be prosecuted in court, as was the U.S. Policy of drug interdiction before the Trump administration.
The families of two men allegedly killed in a military attack in October against a vessel in the region filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Government last week for wrongful death and extrajudicial execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What action did the U.S. Southern Command take?
The U.S. Southern Command authorized an attack against a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in two deaths.
Who is currently in command of the U.S. Southern Command?
General Francis L. Donovan assumed command of the U.S. Southern Command this Thursday.
Has the U.S. Government faced legal challenges related to these attacks?
The families of two men allegedly killed in a previous attack have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Government for wrongful death and extrajudicial execution.
Given the ongoing legal challenges and questions surrounding the justification for these operations, what steps might the U.S. Government take to address concerns about transparency and accountability?
