UN Rights Chief Slams US Airstrikes on Drug Boats

UN Rights Chief Slams US Airstrikes on Drug Boats

The United Nations human rights chief has condemned recent U.S. military airstrikes on boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking from South America, describing them as “unacceptable” and urging an immediate halt.

In what appears to be the first such criticism from a UN body, Volker Türk called for an independent investigation into the attacks, which have reportedly killed more than 60 people since early September, according to UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani.

“These attacks and their growing human toll are unacceptable,” Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva on Friday, quoting Türk. She added that the strikes “violate international human rights law” and amount to extrajudicial killings.

U.S. President Donald Trump defended the operations as part of a broader campaign to prevent drug shipments from reaching the United States.

However, the UN human rights office stressed that combating illegal drug trafficking must remain a law enforcement matter, governed by international rules that strictly limit the use of lethal force.

“The United States must immediately cease these attacks and take all necessary measures to prevent further loss of life,” Shamdasani said.

She emphasised that while Washington has framed the actions as part of anti-narcotics and counterterrorism efforts, global agreements clearly require that such measures be proportionate and lawful.