US strikes on alleged drug boats may constitute ‘crimes against humanity’, UN finds

The United Nations has concluded that US attacks on alleged drug boats in the Pacific and Caribbean "constituted crimes against humanity," according to a special rapporteur for the UN human rights council. Since September 2025, the US has carried out more than 68 attacks on such boats, resulting in the deaths of over 230 people.

The latest attack, on Saturday, claimed the lives of four individuals in the Caribbean. While human rights organizations and experts had previously labeled the bombings as "extrajudicial killings," the UN rapporteur, Ben Saul, went further. In a briefing note, Saul stated that the attacks violated the right to life, were unjustified, and constituted crimes against humanity under customary international law.

The report cites 68 US attacks that killed 223 people, though the exact figures are disputed. US Southern Command defended the attacks, claiming they targeted narco-trafficking vessels, but did not identify the victims or provide details about the alleged intelligence. Saul rejected the claim that the strikes were for self-defense against terrorist organizations, noting that the crew members were not militarily armed or intending to attack the US.

Despite claims that the bombings have stopped 97% of illegal drugs entering the US by sea, data suggests no impact on cocaine transportation. Some victims have been identified, including innocent individuals and low-ranking trafficking network participants.