Photo: bbc.com
Former ICC Prosecutor Calls US Boat Strikes Against Cartels Crimes Against Humanity
Former ICC Prosecutor condemns the Trump administrations boat strikes against drug cartels as crimes against humanity, raising significant legal and ethical questions about US military actions in Latin America.
- The Trump administration classified eight Latin American organised crime groups, including Tren de Aragua from Venezuela and MS-13 from El Salvador, as foreign terrorist organisations (FTOs) in February.
- According to a confidential note to the United States Congress, the US is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels, labeling them as unlawful combatants attacking the United States.
- Marco Rubio, a prominent member of the Republican Party (United States), supports the administrations stance, while the Democratic Party (United States) remains critical of the use of military force in the Caribbean.
Why It Matters
This situation underscores the complexities of US foreign policy regarding drug cartels and raises serious legal implications for the conduct of the United States Armed Forces abroad. The classification of cartels as terrorists may set a precedent for future military engagements.