The United States has intensified its military campaign against suspected drug trafficking vessels. These developments are occurring in the Caribbean and on the western shore of South America along the Pacific coast. This was unannounced, but on September 3, Donald Trump authorized the first strike. Since then, his administration has executed hundreds more strikes but has continued to shroud most of the details about those targets in secrecy.
These current military deployments have led to the destruction of vessels allegedly carrying payloads of illegal narcotics. In one such incident, a strike in international waters claimed the lives of all six individuals aboard the targeted boat. Pete Hegseth, a major architect of the operations, posted a barnburner. It does show a tremendous artistic and human achievement — the sinking of a boat at sea due to military ordnance. As an attack, this one had special significance because it was “the first strike at night,” he said.
The Trump administration designated multiple gangs, including Tren de Aragua, as terrorist entities. In doing so, they portrayed U.S. military strikes as critical efforts to destroy these groups. Despite the negative reception, White House officials strongly defended these operations. In doing so, they claimed President Trump was merely implementing his powers under Article 2 of the U.S. Constitution.
The U.S. government’s approach to the strategy has been heavily criticized by world leaders. Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, reprobated the bombings. He called it “A dangerous departure from the US government’s longstanding support for the norms of international law.” His statements highlight the fear and danger surrounding the legality and consequences of U.S. military operations in international waters.
As the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) airstrikes are critical to this program. They offer critical on the ground intelligence, making sure that U.S. targets are chosen based on intelligence that informs action. Interestingly, despite the high intensity of these operations, U.S. forces have not reported any casualties caused by strikes to date.
This ongoing military campaign is consciously directed against drug trafficking, but it is embedded within a broader counterinsurgency strategy. It does set a horrible precedent regarding compliance with international law and the dangers of going rogue. The picture is very much in flux. How the U.S. government responds will be important in judging whether these developments signal a new direction for U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America.