UN says US strikes on suspected drug boats violate law
United Nations special rapporteur Ben Saul concluded in a Human Rights Council briefing note that at least 68 US strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific likely violated international law and may amount to crimes against humanity. The operations, part of Operation Southern Spear since September 2025, have reportedly killed 223 people. Saul said there is no evidence those on board staged an armed attack on the United States, undermining self-defense claims. The US military and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the program while SOUTHCOM confirmed a recent strike that killed four people.
UN says 68 US strikes likely violated international law and killed 223
Context
The strikes began in September 2025. The UN released a briefing note by Special Rapporteur Ben Saul. Further legal or diplomatic steps could follow based on the report.
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