U. S. Escalates Caribbean Campaign: Death Toll Rises to 70

In a recent move, the U. S. targeted and destroyed another suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in three fatalities. This brings the total death count from the ongoing anti-drug campaign to at least 70 individuals. The U. S. has been conducting these strikes since early September, focusing on vessels in both the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific. The U. S. claims these strikes are necessary to combat drug trafficking, but critics argue they amount to extrajudicial killings. Despite the destruction of at least 18 vessels, including a suspected "narco sub, " the U. S. has not provided concrete evidence that these targets were involved in drug smuggling or posed a direct threat to the United States. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth released aerial footage of the latest strike, which he claimed took place in international waters. The video showed a boat traveling through the water before exploding into flames. Hegseth stated that three male individuals aboard the vessel were killed, but no further details were provided. The U. S. has significantly increased its military presence in Latin America, deploying six Navy ships in the Caribbean, sending F-35 stealth warplanes to Puerto Rico, and ordering the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the region. However, many of the individuals killed in these strikes have been identified as civilians, primarily fishermen. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has accused the U. S. of attempting to overthrow his government. In response to a question about Maduro's future, President Donald Trump hinted at regime change. The Trump administration has also designated several cartels as terrorist organizations and authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela. The U. N. has urged the U. S. to halt its campaign, stating that the killings lack justification under international law. Meanwhile, congressional leaders have been briefed on the campaign's legal rationale and strategy, with Republicans expressing confidence and Democrats calling for more transparency.