U.S. military operations against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean have come under intense scrutiny following a series of strikes that resulted in numerous fatalities. On September 2, 2025, a missile strike was launched against a vessel suspected of drug trafficking, leading to the deaths of 11 individuals. Reports indicate that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a follow-up strike to eliminate survivors, raising serious legal and ethical questions regarding the conduct of these operations.

The initial strike reportedly disabled the boat, resulting in casualties, but some crew members survived. A second attack was ordered when two individuals were seen clinging to the wreckage, ultimately increasing the death toll. Critics, including legal experts and members of Congress, have argued that these actions may constitute illegal extrajudicial killings and potential war crimes, as they appear to violate international humanitarian law principles that protect individuals who are no longer engaged in combat.

The Trump administration has characterized drug cartels as "unlawful combatants," asserting that their activities justify military action under the premise of an "armed conflict." However, this classification has been challenged, with critics contending that the alleged traffickers do not pose an imminent threat to the U.S. and that the administration has not adequately established the existence of such an armed conflict. Legal scholars have expressed concern that the military's shift from traditional law enforcement methods to lethal strikes against nonstate actors undermines due process rights.

The Department of Justice has provided a legal rationale for these military actions, suggesting that the president can authorize lethal force against certain cartels in self-defense. However, this justification has faced criticism, particularly in instances where targeted vessels posed no immediate threat. Additionally, senior defense officials, including Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, have reportedly raised concerns about the legality of these strikes, with some suggesting that they could lead to resignations over ethical dilemmas.

The United Kingdom has ceased sharing intelligence with the U.S. regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels, citing concerns about complicity in what it views as illegal military actions. This situation underscores the complex legal and ethical implications of military operations against drug trafficking, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals who may not be combatants during such engagements. As the debate continues, calls for clearer legal frameworks governing military actions against nonstate actors have intensified, highlighting the need for accountability and adherence to international law.