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The U.S. military ⁤has carried out at least 15 ⁤lethal strikes against alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific ⁢since early ⁣September. As of Saturday, October 28, 2023, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ⁤announced another ⁣strike, resulting in⁣ the deaths of three individuals. Hegseth stated the⁤ vessel targeted ⁣was operated by a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, though the specific ⁢group was not identified.the cumulative death toll from these strikes has reached at least ⁢64 people.

These strikes are occurring along known narco-trafficking ⁣routes, with Hegseth asserting that each vessel targeted was confirmed to be carrying narcotics. No U.S. forces have been harmed in these ⁣operations.

The escalation of U.S. military action against drug cartels represents a significant shift in policy. President Trump has justified these attacks as a necessary measure to stem ⁢the flow⁣ of drugs into the United States,even going so far as to claim the U.S. is engaged in an "armed conflict" with these organizations. This justification draws a parallel to the legal authority used by the Bush management following the september 11th attacks when declaring⁣ a war on terrorism.

though,this assertion of an "armed conflict" is highly controversial. Critics argue that it ⁣oversteps legal boundaries and could have unintended consequences, potentially destabilizing the region. The White House has consistently resisted calls from U.S. lawmakers to release more detailed information regarding the legal basis for ⁢these strikes, as well as specifics about the targeted cartels and the identities of those killed.

The impacts of these strikes are far-reaching:

* ⁣ Civilians: ⁣Colombian President Gustavo petro has voiced concerns that some of those killed in the U.S. strikes have been innocent civilians.He has accused the attacks of being both illegal and ineffective. This raises serious questions about⁤ collateral damage and the accuracy of intelligence gathering.

* Drug Cartels: While the stated goal is to disrupt drug trafficking, the long-term impact on cartel operations⁣ remains to be seen. Some experts suggest that these strikes may ⁤simply lead to a fragmentation of cartels, making them more difficult to track and control.

* Regional Stability: ⁤ The⁣ increased U.S. military presence and the use of lethal force could exacerbate tensions in the region, ⁣potentially leading to further instability.

* U.S. Foreign Relations: The unilateral nature of these strikes⁢ has strained relationships with some Latin American⁤ countries, particularly Colombia, which views the actions as a violation of its sovereignty.

* American Public: The stated aim is ⁤to reduce the flow of drugs into the US, and therefore protect American citizens.

* Early September 2023: U.S. military begins conducting lethal strikes against alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

* October 24, 2023: The Pentagon⁤ announces the deployment of⁣ the ⁤USS Gerald R. Ford⁣ to the waters off Latin America,⁣ significantly increasing the U.S. military presence in the region.

* ⁣ October 24,2023: Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly criticizes the U.S. strikes, alleging civilian casualties and violations of international law.

* ⁢ October 28, 2023: Defense ⁢Secretary Pete Hegseth announces the latest strike, bringing the total death toll to at least 64.