UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has joined calls for the United States to immediately cease air strikes targeting boats in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, amplifying concerns over alleged violations of international law. The appeal follows a statement by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk, who condemned the attacks as "extrajudicial killings" and urged Washington to "take all measures necessary" to prevent further loss of life.
According to UN reports, over 60 people have been killed since early September in a series of U.S. military operations against vessels suspected of criminal activity. "These circumstances find no justification in international law," Turk emphasized, stressing that lethal force should only be used as a last resort under strict legal frameworks.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed Guterres' support for Turk's position during a daily briefing, adding that counter-crime operations must align with global human rights standards. The secretary-general emphasized that addressing organized crime requires strengthened international cooperation and policies targeting systemic drivers of violence and drug trafficking.
This development raises critical questions about maritime security strategies amid growing geopolitical tensions. Analysts suggest the UN's intervention reflects broader concerns about unilateral military actions impacting regional stability in strategically vital waterways.
