The United States Southern Command has reported an aerial bombardment of a vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the death of three individuals on board. This assault is part of a broader initiative aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region. Since September 2025, the US has conducted 43 similar attacks in the Pacific and Caribbean, leading to a total of 141 fatalities attributed to these operations, raising concerns from experts and the United Nations.

Following the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro on January 3, the intensity of these bombing operations had diminished; however, by the end of January, attacks resumed, as evidenced by six assaults carried out just in this month alone. The tactical shift appears to coincide with strategic developments in the region related to drug trafficking routes, suggesting a renewed focus by US forces on maritime operations in the Caribbean.

The repeated bombings and the growing death toll have drawn criticism from various international observers, including experts who question the effectiveness and morality of such actions. The United Nations has also voiced concerns regarding the impact of these operations on local populations and the potential for exacerbating existing tensions. The continuous military presence and actions in the Caribbean illustrate the complexities of US foreign policy and the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region.