The U.S. military has intensified operations against alleged drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific, recently conducting strikes that killed five “narco-terrorists” and pushing the total death toll from the campaign above 100.
Known as Operation Southern Spear, these aggressive military actions have targeted over 28 vessels suspected of smuggling drugs, with the strikes framed as vital to national security.
The military has released videos of the strikes, but critics point to a lack of concrete evidence linking the vessels to illegal activities, raising questions about accountability and transparency.
Key military leader Pete Hegseth faces increasing scrutiny as lawmakers and human rights advocates challenge the legality and morality of using lethal force in enforcing drug laws.
The escalating violence has sparked legislative debates in Congress about war powers and military engagement, with a bipartisan defense bill recently passed that emphasizes the need for oversight in such operations.
Amid geopolitical tensions, the campaign has ignited a broader conversation about America’s military strategy in Latin America and the ethics of conducting strikes under the guise of combating drug trafficking.