US "Narco-Terrorist" Strikes in Caribbean Kill 3 More; UN Condemns Policy as "Unacceptable"

The US military has conducted another lethal strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, killing three men and pushing the total death toll from a new US anti-drug policy to at least 64.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike on Saturday, stating the vessel was "operated by a designated terrorist organisation" and was hit in international waters while traveling on a "known drug-smuggling route."

The strike is the latest in an escalating military campaign ordered by President Donald Trump, which began in early September. The Trump administration insists it is targeting "narco-terrorists," but the operations have drawn severe international condemnation.

On Friday, the UN's human rights chief, Volker Turk, declared the strikes "unacceptable" and a "violation of international human rights law."

"Over 60 people have reportedly been killed... in circumstances that find no justification in international law," Turk said.

The policy has also created a diplomatic crisis in Latin America. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a left-wing leader, has called the strikes "murder" and an attempt by the US to "dominate" the region. In response, the Trump administration placed sanctions on President Petro and his inner circle.

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, with whom Washington also has strained relations, accused the US of "fabricating a war."

The Trump administration has steadily built up a significant military force in the Caribbean over the past few months, including warships, fighter jets, and drones. While the stated goal is combatting drug trafficking, military analysts and regional leaders suggest the force is far larger than needed for that purpose and may be part of an effort to influence the politically-opposed governments in Venezuela and Colombia.

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