Defense officials told Congress that 47 suspected drug-trafficking vessels have been attacked since the operation began.
Published March 17, 2026
The U.S. military has confirmed that at least 157 people were killed in a deadly attack on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel off the coast of Central and South America, described by legal experts as an extrajudicial killing operation.
Senior defense official Joseph Humia said in a written statement to U.S. members of Congress that 47 “drug-trafficking ships” have been attacked in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Ocean since the operation began in September.
Recommended stories
list of 3 itemsend of list
Asked by lawmakers on Tuesday whether the amount of drugs entering the United States had decreased, Humire said the movement of drug ships in the Caribbean had decreased by 20%.
“We measured a reduction in vessel movement,” Humire said.
“But in terms of drugs actually coming into the United States, that’s no,” Rep. Adam Smith responded.
Experts have expressed skepticism that the strikes have had a significant impact on the drug trade, and legal scholars say the attacks are a clear violation of international law, blurring the distinction between armed conflict and criminal activity. Under international law, military force is recognized for the former, but not for the latter.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is holding a hearing on the strike, which supporters hope will open the door to possible legal liability for those responsible.
The Pentagon has shared videos of the attack on the vessel on social media, but has provided few details about the deaths or evidence of its status as a drug vessel.
US President Donald Trump’s administration has adopted a militarized approach to combating drug trafficking, which has allowed the US to expand its military footprint across the region.
The United States is stepping up cooperation with friendly governments such as Ecuador and threatening military strikes if countries such as Mexico and Colombia do not do more to comply with U.S. demands.
