At least 66 people have been killed in strikes by U.S. forces on vessels allegedly smuggling drugs from Caribbean and Pacific waters, according to numbers from President Donald Trump’s administration.
A 16th strike was announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday—this time in the eastern Pacific—as the United States also continues a military buildup off the coast of Venezuela that has raised the possibility of confrontation there.
Readers of Newsweek’s Geoscape newsletter gave their views on the attacks on the alleged drug boats. More than 90 percent of those who responded to a request for opinions were critical of the strikes, although there was support too.
“I believe that the strikes are illegal. There are no proofs of drug smuggling, no evidence presented to support the claims. The people on the boats are not being arrested and given due process to prove their guilt or innocence,” wrote Fred Mellor.
Anne Williams said: “It’s as if we’re declaring war without the declaration. The USA is so wrong to strike without knowing fully who and what is on those boats!”
For Sherrie Zhan: “Where is the proof that these boats are carrying drugs? We have seen no details, only accusations. What if another country was committing murder off our coast?”
Trump has justified the attacks on the grounds that the United States is in armed conflict with drug cartels that are designated as terrorist organizations.
“We will find and terminate EVERY vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens. Protecting the homeland is our TOP priority. NO cartel terrorist stands a chance against the American military,” Hegseth said in announcing the 16th strike.
The United States says it has complied with the laws of conflict in the face of criticism from human rights groups and opponents. It also says that the vessels—high-powered speedboats with multiple outboard engines—are of a type used by drug smugglers and not as fishing boats.
“Why not prosecute them in real time and show us these drug smugglers, and finally if even one boat was not carrying drugs then he’s a murderer,” said Donna Rivera.
‘Not by Murder’
Stewart Straus said: “They may be drug boats, but we need to enforce laws lawfully. Not by murder.”
Opposition also came from some who more generally support the policies of President Trump.
Olive Jackson said: “I hate drugs too but I don’t think Trump is approaching this subject the right way.”
There was also some support for strikes on the alleged drug boats, however.
Among supporters was Paul St. John, who wrote: “Quite simply, the killers killed. I do hope that it does not greatly affect marine life. Keep it up!”
The view of Riversport94 was: “I say stop all drug boats and anything else that transport drugs. And if they don’t halt…kill them. Period.”
Some pointed to the issue of the United States dealing with its drug problem. There were more than 70,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States in the 12 months to the end of April, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although that is down from over 100,000 in the 12 months before that. The scale of the death toll is a reason for it being a priority for the Trump administration.
“There is no drug supply where there is no demand,” said Peter Miller.
Valerie Madison said: “Stop killing random people in random boats and start jailing/killing people in the United States of America who are accused of dealing/selling drugs.”
Others felt that not only were the strikes on the drug boats wrong, but that they also reflected badly on the place of the United States in the world.
“Thought the first was a one-off demonstration, but as it became a common occurrence it made you ask what happened to innocent until proven guilty in the USA. I know the so-called terrorists were not U.S. citizens, but I thought the American method was to arrest, try and jail when found guilty,” said Canadian Syd Hepworth.
Ron Terry was another opponent of the strikes: “Executing the men who are on these boats without due process makes the U.S. nothing more than a common murderer. The drug runners should face justice, not unsubstantiated death.”