CaliToday (15/11/2025): UN Human Rights chief alleges 'extrajudicial killings' as world's largest aircraft carrier arrives in the region and a key U.S. ally halts intelligence sharing.
The U.S. military has confirmed its 20th lethal strike in a controversial counter-narcotics offensive, sinking an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean Sea on Monday and killing four people aboard. The operation, however, is triggering a severe international backlash, with the United Nations calling for a formal investigation and a key regional ally suspending all intelligence cooperation with Washington.
The strike is the latest action in "Operation Southern Spear," a high-intensity military campaign authorized by the Trump administration. According to a Pentagon official, U.S. forces have now destroyed at least 21 separate vessels in 20 strikes since September, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 people in international waters.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly labeled the targets as "narco-terrorists." In a social media post on Friday, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) released a short video of the strike, stating the vessel was "operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization" and that "4 male narco-terrorists" were killed.
Growing Demands for Evidence and Legality
Despite the definitive language from the Pentagon, the operation is facing intense scrutiny over its legality and the lack of public evidence. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned this week that there are "strong indications" the strikes could be "extrajudicial killings" and urged a full investigation into whether they violate international law.
Critics point out that U.S. officials have not provided specific proof that the vessels were actively smuggling narcotics or posed an imminent threat to the United States, raising questions about the rules of engagement for open-ocean interdictions.
The White House's aggressive posture is now costing it a critical regional partnership. On Tuesday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro—who leads a nation central to U.S. anti-drug efforts for decades ordered his country to immediately stop sharing intelligence with the United States.
President Petro stated the directive would "remain in force as long as the missile attacks on boats in the Caribbean continue," a stunning rebuke that threatens to blindside U.S. operations in the region.
A Colossal Show of Force
The escalating strikes coincide with a massive U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean. This week, the Pentagon confirmed the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy's most advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the largest warship in the world. The carrier, accompanied by its strike group, is now operating within SOUTHCOM's area of responsibility.
The deployment of such a high-value asset, far exceeding what is required for anti-drug patrols, is being interpreted by many as a direct message to Venezuela.
On Wednesday, senior military officials presented President Trump with updated options for potential operations in Venezuela, including, for the first time, strikes on land, according to multiple sources familiar with the White House meetings.
President Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of being complicit with the same drug gangs being targeted at sea. When asked in a recent "60 Minutes" interview if Maduro's "days were numbered," Mr. Trump replied, "I would say yeah. I think so, yeah."
In response to the U.S. carrier's arrival and the escalating rhetoric, Venezuela announced on Tuesday that it was launching a massive military exercise involving a reported 200,000 forces. As "Operation Southern Spear" continues in the waters off its coast, Venezuela clearly believes it is the real target.