US strike on alleged drug boat in Caribbean kills 3
Deutsche Welle
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States military has conducted a controversial strike on an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The operation was carried out by the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which released a brief video showing the boat being hit by what it described as "a lethal kinetic strike" and subsequently exploding. According to SOUTHCOM, the vessel was operating along known drug-trafficking routes and engaged in narcotic activities. However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.
This strike is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to combat international drug smuggling. Since early September 2019, the US military has executed at least 38 similar operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. President Donald Trump has defended these actions as a necessary escalation, claiming that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict" with Latin American cartels. Despite these assertions, critics have raised concerns over the legality of such strikes in international waters, questioning their justification and potential violations of international law.
The lack of evidence supporting US claims has further fueled criticism.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/14/2026