Latest Strike Claims Three Lives in Caribbean
The United States military announced on Friday, February 13, 2026, that it carried out another deadly strike against an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed the operation via social media, stating that the targeted boat 'was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.' A video linked to the post reportedly showed the vessel exploding in flames after being struck.
Operation Southern Spear Continues
This latest incident is part of the broader 'Operation Southern Spear,' an initiative launched in September 2025 by the administration of President Donald Trump. The operation aims to combat maritime drug trafficking from Latin America to the U.S. Since its inception, the death toll from these strikes has reached 133 people across at least 38 attacks in both the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean as of February 13, 2026. The U.S. government has consistently justified these actions by alleging that the vessels are operated by 'narcoterrorists' or 'Designated Terrorist Organizations' involved in smuggling illicit narcotics.
Official Justification and Mounting Criticism
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been a vocal proponent of the strikes, stating last week that 'some top cartel drug-traffickers' in the region have 'decided to cease all narcotics operations INDEFINITELY due to recent (highly effective) kinetic strikes in the Caribbean.' President Trump has asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an 'armed conflict' with drug cartels in Latin America, framing the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. However, the administration has provided limited public evidence to substantiate its claims regarding the 'narcoterrorist' affiliations of those killed.
The legality and ethics of these military actions have drawn significant criticism from various quarters. Human rights groups, international bodies, and some U.S. lawmakers have questioned the operations, with critics describing them as 'extrajudicial killings' and potential violations of international law. Concerns have been raised that drug smuggling is primarily a law enforcement issue, not a military one, and that individuals killed in these strikes are denied due process. Venezuela has also condemned the airstrikes, accusing the U.S. of extrajudicial executions.
5 Comments
Eugene Alta
This is nothing more than state-sponsored murder. No due process is a crime.
Loubianka
Combating powerful drug cartels requires strong measures, and some might argue these strikes are necessary. Yet, the complete lack of due process for those killed and the potential for civilian casualties raise serious human rights questions that cannot be ignored.
KittyKat
They're just killing poor people, not solving the root problem of addiction. Shameful.
Noir Black
Finally, some real action against these drug cartels! This is what's needed.
Eugene Alta
Extrajudicial killings are completely unacceptable under international law. This is barbaric.