Summary
Allies of President Trump are using the "war on terror" to justify attacks on boats in Latin America, but experts say there is no legal basis for these actions because there is no armed conflict in the region. Legal and rights groups argue that these strikes are not justified and lack necessary authorization from Congress.
Key Facts
- President Trump's allies compare boat strikes to past U.S. anti-terrorism efforts, but experts disagree legally.
- The U.S. has conducted boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, reportedly killing nearly 100 people since September.
- Critics say these strikes lack Congressional approval.
- Legal authorities state there is no armed conflict in Latin America, so drug traffickers are not considered military targets.
- Lawmakers and rights groups assert these are extrajudicial killings, violating U.S. and international laws.
- U.S. officials label the targeted individuals as part of "designated terrorist organizations."
- There is disagreement on whether drug smuggling constitutes a form of terrorism.
