With this incident, the total number of casualties in the US offensive against drug trafficking in international waters has now risen to over 70 deaths. Since early September, Washington has intensified its anti-drug military operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific, aiming to curb drug trafficking to North America.
These actions, according to the US government, aim to weaken international drug trafficking networks and ensure maritime security in the region. However, various human rights and international policy experts have expressed concern over the methods used, warning that these attacks could be considered "extrajudicial executions," even if the targets are alleged drug traffickers.
The lack of transparency and judicial processes has sparked intense debate about the legality and legitimacy of the US strategy. The incident reinforces diplomatic tension in the region and reopens the discussion on the limits of the use of force in international anti-drug operations, as well as its humanitarian and political implications.