US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a strike on a vessel allegedly smuggling drugs from Venezuela to the United States killed six narcoterrorists, bringing the total death toll in such operations to at least 27. Many experts question the legality of using lethal force in international waters against suspects who have not been charged.
US PresidentDonald Trumpsaid Tuesday that another strike on boats allegedly taking drugs fromVenezuelato the United States had killed six "narcoterrorists".
At least 27 people have now been killed in such attacks, which the administration says are necessary to protect the United States from smuggled narcotics.
But many experts question the legality of using lethal force in foreign or international waters against suspects who have not been intercepted, questioned or charged.
The latest strike was carried out in international waters, Trump said, adding "the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks and was transiting along a known DTO (designated terrorist organization) route".
Read moreA show of strength: Trumps war on drugs with Venezuela
The United States has also deployed warships in the Caribbean off Venezuela and used planes to destroy several speed boats since aninitial strike on September 2.
The moves have raised tensions with Venezuelan PresidentNicolas Maduro, who has announced military exercises, placed his country on alert and said the US naval deployment is designed to oust him.
Trump has said that his anti-drugs policy is working and that military action could be expanded to land routes.
Video of some of the strikes released by the United States shows speedboats suddenly engulfed in smoke and flames when hit.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Originally published on France24
