The United Nations human rights chief has denounced recent U.S. military airstrikes on boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking from South America, calling them “unacceptable” and demanding an immediate halt.
In what appeared to be the first such criticism from a UN body, Volker Türk urged an independent investigation into the attacks, which have reportedly killed more than 60 people since early September, according to UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani.
“These attacks and their growing human toll are unacceptable,” Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva on Friday, quoting Türk. She added that the strikes “violate international human rights law” and constitute extrajudicial killings.
U.S. President Donald Trump has defended the operations as part of a broader campaign to block drug shipments from reaching the United States.
However, the UN rights office stressed that combating illegal drug trafficking must remain a law enforcement issue, governed by international rules that strictly limit the use of lethal force.
“The United States must immediately cease these attacks and take all necessary measures to prevent further loss of life,” Shamdasani said.
She emphasized that while Washington has framed the actions as part of anti-narcotics and counterterrorism efforts, global agreements clearly define such matters as requiring proportionate and lawful responses.