In a dramatic escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the U.S. military targeted a suspected drug-smuggling submarine in the Caribbean this week, killing two and repatriating two survivors to Ecuador and Colombia. The operation, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, has sparked debates over legality and sovereignty.
🚤 The 'Drug Sub' Strike
Trump claimed the semi-submersible vessel was loaded with fentanyl and other drugs en route to the U.S. A 30-second video shared by Trump showed the craft being struck by a projectile. While no evidence of the cargo was provided, Trump called the strike a 'great honor,' framing it as part of a broader campaign to disrupt drug trafficking routes from Latin America.
🌎 Regional Reactions
Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed the repatriation of one suspect, stating he would face prosecution. Ecuador has yet to comment. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro denounced the strikes as 'violations of sovereignty,' accusing the U.S. of using drug enforcement as a pretext for regime change.
⚖️ Legal Concerns & Military Buildup
The strike adds to a series of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean since September, including six vessel attacks and a growing presence of destroyers, fighter jets, and troops. Critics, including legal experts and Democratic lawmakers, question whether these operations comply with international law.
As tensions rise, Venezuela has appealed to the UN Security Council to condemn the strikes, calling them illegal. With Trump also authorizing CIA covert ops in Venezuela, the region braces for further volatility.
