In early September, the United States initiated military operations against suspected drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, claiming to have destroyed dozens of vessels and resulting in the deaths of at least 150 individuals. These military actions have been met with criticism, being likened to extrajudicial executions, raising alarms about the legality of such operations under international law.

Pete Hegseth, during a conference on combating drug cartels attended by officials from 18 Latin American countries, praised the U.S. efforts. He noted that there was a period when no boats were targeted due to a lack of detected vessels, suggesting that the aim of these operations is to deter drug traffickers from operating with impunity. Hegseth's remarks highlight the U.S. government's assertion that it is effectively engaged in a war against drug terrorists in Latin America.

The discourse surrounding these operations raises significant legal and ethical questions. International law experts and human rights organizations have warned that the tactics employed might violate human rights norms. As the Biden administration moves forward, the implications of this military strategy and its impact on drug trafficking and regional stability in Latin America could be profound, necessitating careful consideration of the laws governing armed conflict and human rights protections.