In recent months, the Trump administration has adopted a tough stance towards the Maduro government in Venezuela. US fighter jets have been conducting frequent missile strikes on fishing vessels suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. This has resulted in approximately 100 fatalities across multiple strikes, as reported by the BBC. The administration has not presented any evidence linking these incidents to drug trafficking by Venezuelans.
A notable event that has garnered global attention occurred on September 2 when a US military operation targeted a boat in the Caribbean. The initial strike led to the deaths of nine individuals on board, followed by a second attack that killed two survivors. Video footage shows the survivors desperately signaling for help as they clung to a capsized lifeboat. The actions of these unarmed individuals appeared to be a plea for assistance or an attempt to prevent further harm.
The disturbing revelations, initially disclosed by The New York Times, have sparked widespread outrage. Questions have been raised about whether the US military committed war crimes by targeting innocent and defenseless fishermen. Calls have emerged for the US Congress and the international community to investigate these actions and address how powerful nations can evade accountability for violating human rights laws.
The conflict between the US and Venezuela has deep roots. The US has long been combating drug trafficking and foreign drug syndicates. Since President Trump assumed office, there has been a heightened focus on Venezuela and its leader, Nicolás Maduro. While the administration justifies its actions under the guise of combating drugs, there are suspicions that the real motives lie in seizing Venezuela’s natural resources, as suggested by Fortune magazine.
The September 2 incident involving the two survivors prompted Congressional scrutiny of the Trump administration. Only Congress has the authority to declare war against another nation, raising concerns about the legality of the aggressive actions against alleged drug vessels. Critics have likened the US Navy’s operations to lawless frontier practices, where might takes precedence over established legal norms.
The US Defense Department’s approach of shoot-first-ask-questions-later in the war on drugs has led to impulsive actions with potentially dire consequences. The labeling of fishing boats as drug vessels and their occupants as narco-terrorists deviates from international legal standards, emphasizing the need for a lawful and transparent process in addressing such issues.
The tactic of a “double tap” strike against the two survivors has faced universal condemnation from media and political figures. Some have argued that targeting shipwrecked survivors could constitute a war crime under International Humanitarian Law. The Geneva Conventions and The Hague regulations clearly stipulate the protection of shipwrecked individuals and prohibit attacks on defenseless persons.
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has labeled the second strike as a war crime, adding to the growing criticism of the US military’s actions. The US government must be held accountable for civilian casualties, and international bodies, including the G7 and the UN, must voice their concerns over the escalating tensions and attacks on sovereign nations in the name of combating drug trafficking.
The repercussions of these actions extend beyond the immediate context, setting a dangerous precedent for powerful nations to justify aggression under various pretexts. The international community must act swiftly to address these violations and prevent similar abuses by other countries with territorial ambitions.
Dr. Abdullah Shibli, an economist with experience at the World Bank and Harvard University, presents these views independently. The opinions expressed highlight the need for accountability and adherence to international laws in addressing conflicts and upholding human rights.