The United Nations condemned U.S. airstrikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, stating that these actions violate international human rights law. In a statement released on Friday, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for an immediate halt to the strikes and an investigation into their legality.

"These attacks – and their mounting human cost – are unacceptable. The U.S. must halt such attacks and take all measures necessary to prevent the extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats, whatever the criminal conduct alleged against them," Türk said. He emphasized that under international human rights law, lethal force should only be used as a last resort against individuals posing an imminent threat to life.

Türk noted that based on limited information from U.S. authorities, it appears that none of the individuals on the targeted boats posed such a threat, which would justify the use of lethal force.

In response, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly defended the airstrikes, asserting that President Donald Trump is committed to eliminating threats to U.S. security. "The UN has failed at everything from operating an escalator to ending wars — it’s ridiculous that they are now lecturing President Trump and running cover for evil narcoterrorists trying to murder Americans," Kelly stated. She added that the President's actions align with the laws of armed conflict aimed at protecting the country from drug cartels.

Since September, the Trump administration has conducted over a dozen military strikes against boats in these regions, claiming they are part of anti-drug and counter-terrorism efforts. U.S. officials report that more than 60 individuals have been killed in these operations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the latest strike, describing it as a "lethal kinetic strike on yet another narco-trafficking vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in the Eastern Pacific." He stated that the targeted vessel was known to be involved in narcotics smuggling and was traveling along a recognized trafficking route.

This marks the first time the U.N. has formally condemned these U.S. airstrikes. Türk's office issued a statement urging the United States to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute individuals accused of serious crimes, adhering to principles of due process and fair trial.

Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for Türk, reiterated the U.N.'s position during a briefing, stating, "These attacks and their mounting human cost are unacceptable. The U.S. must halt such attacks and take all measures necessary to prevent the extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats."