In a significant escalation of military operations, the United States has conducted a series of airstrikes targeting suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since early September. Dubbed Operation Southern Spear, this campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals, according to reports. The Trump administration has justified these strikes as a necessary measure to combat the flow of narcotics into the US, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that the operation aims to eliminate ‘narco-terrorists’ from the hemisphere and protect American lives. However, the campaign has sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential violations of international law. Critics argue that the strikes, which have targeted vessels in international waters, may have resulted in civilian casualties and lacked due process. The Pentagon has provided limited information on the targets, though some officials have linked them to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year. The US has deployed substantial military assets to the region, including the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and long-range bombers, prompting fears of a broader conflict. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of escalating tensions and called for peace, while the Venezuelan military has conducted readiness exercises in response. The Trump administration maintains that the strikes are legal and part of a broader strategy to combat drug cartels, but legal experts and critics continue to question their legitimacy and potential impact on regional stability.