UN Condemns US Strikes on Vessels Suspected of Drug Trafficking

Geneva, October 31, 2025. Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a searing condemnation of military strikes conducted by the United States against vessels that Washington has labeled as “maritime objects associated with drug trafficking.” Türk asserted that such operations fundamentally violate the tenets of international law and effectively amount to extrajudicial executions.

In his official statement, Türk disclosed that US aerial attacks carried out in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean since the beginning of September have resulted in a tragic loss of life, exceeding 60 individuals. This grim casualty count includes both crew members and civilian personnel.

The Commissioner stressed unequivocally that the global effort to combat illicit drug trafficking cannot serve as a legitimate justification for utilizing lethal force in international waters.

“Law enforcement actions targeting individuals suspected of smuggling must be executed in full compliance with human rights principles and must allow for judicial proceedings, rather than relying on bombardment,” the High Commissioner declared, emphasizing the necessity of due process.

Türk further recalled that the deployment of deadly force is only permissible as an absolute last resort—specifically when there is an immediate and tangible threat to life. He noted that the information provided by the United States regarding the specific targets of these operations remains limited, offering no clear evidence that the persons aboard the vessels posed a direct threat to US forces or citizens.

Conversely, the American administration defended the strikes by citing the critical necessity of stemming the flow of narcotics entering the country. President Donald Trump stated publicly that he was acting “within legitimate authorities” and vowed to continue the “strikes against narco-terrorists” operating in international waters. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reinforced this stance, emphasizing that these operations specifically target criminal groups “that threaten the security of American citizens.”

The Pentagon confirmed that the majority of these attacks have occurred in areas off the coast of South America. Nevertheless, recent strikes executed in the Pacific Ocean resulted in the fatalities of at least 18 people. The US Navy has deployed significant assets to the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, underscoring the seriousness of the campaign.

The international community reacted to the escalation with considerable alarm. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly stated that her nation does not endorse such actions and demanded immediate consultations with the American ambassador. The governments of Colombia and Venezuela also voiced profound concern, characterizing the strikes as a clear violation of existing international agreements.

Volker Türk concluded his address by urging Washington to immediately cease the practice of conducting airstrikes and to redirect the fight against drug trafficking back into a legal framework founded strictly on international norms and principles of justice and fairness.