Caribbean Tensions Rise as US Strikes Spark Controversy

A recent incident in the Caribbean has put the spotlight on the US military's actions in the region. Ecuador released a survivor from a US strike on a submarine suspected of drug trafficking. The US captured the Ecuadorean national and a Colombian man after attacking the submarine. President Trump stated they would be returned for prosecution, but Ecuador's Attorney General's office said the Ecuadorean survivor could not be detained due to lack of evidence. The US has been conducting strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in drug smuggling. The two survivors, Andrés Fernando Tufiño from Ecuador and Jeison Obando Pérez from Colombia, are the first to survive such strikes. Two others on the semi-submersible were killed. The US claims at least 32 people have been killed in seven strikes since September. Experts question the legality of these attacks, arguing they breach international law. The Trump administration insists they are targeting "narco-terrorists. " Trump described the submarine as a drug-carrying vessel, but experts note that fentanyl, the drug Trump mentioned, mainly comes from Mexico, not the southern Caribbean. Around 10, 000 US troops, along with military aircraft and ships, have been deployed to the Caribbean. The Ecuadorean survivor was reported to be in good health, while the Colombian survivor arrived in Colombia with severe injuries. Colombian officials stated that drug trafficking is a crime in their country. The US deployment mainly targets vessels leaving Venezuela. Trump accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking group, allegations Maduro denies. Maduro claims the US operations aim to topple him. The US has increased pressure on Maduro, with Trump approving covert operations in Venezuela. Questions about the identities of those aboard the targeted vessels are growing. Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the US of attacking a vessel in Colombian waters, calling it murder. Trump retaliated by calling Petro a drug leader and threatening sanctions on Colombia. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago's government supports the US interventions, stating they aim to combat crime and create a safe environment.