UN expert says US strikes may violate international law

UN expert says US strikes may violate international law

A United Nations human rights expert has raised serious concerns over US military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, saying the operations may violate international law and could amount to crimes against humanity.

According to a report by UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism Ben Saul, US forces targeted 68 boats in international waters between September 2025 and August 2026, killing at least 223 people.

The United States has described the operations as defensive action against what it calls “drug terrorists.” President Donald Trump has also told Congress that the strikes reflect an armed conflict with groups designated as terrorist organisations.

However, the UN report rejected that justification, arguing that the attacks violate international law and the right to life. It said the operations could potentially fall under the category of crimes against humanity.

The report noted that drug trafficking does not meet the legal definition of an armed attack and therefore does not provide grounds for the United States to use force in self-defence.

It also said US forces had less-lethal alternatives, including intercepting and stopping the boats. According to the expert, the use of deadly force would only be lawful as a last resort when an immediate threat to life exists.

The UN expert called for investigations into the deaths, accountability for those responsible, including political and military leaders, and compensation for the families of those killed.