The New York Center for Foreign Policy Analysis (NYCFPA) has shown its deep concern and utter denunciation of the news of the loss of civilian lives caused by the recent military attacks against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific by the United States. It is reported that no less than 61 people were killed during these operations as early as in early September 2025, which caused serious legal, ethical, and humanitarian issues.
Such cases have attracted the immediate caution of the high authority in the international world including the United Nations High Commissioner to Human Rights who emphasized that lethal force should be used as a last resort and only when there is imminent threat. International law and the democratic values are centered around the rule that sanctity of life and due process should be used to guide the actions of the states. Any attempt to ignore those principles is likely to undermine the rule of law and destroy international standards of human rights.
The fact that there is no transparency in these operations and the number of casualties among civilians is alarming, requiring urgent questioning. Claims that these persons are not currently in any imminent danger as cited by international observers and human rights activists need to be well and effectively investigated. The fight against narcotics cannot be used as an excuse to engage in activities that could amount to extrajudicial murders or other actions that may not be upheld by the international humanitarian standards.
Call to U.S. and International Authorities
NYCFPA urges:
- The United States Government to suspend such deadly sea activities at once before a complete, open, and autonomous probe, and clarify the legal foundation, rules of engagement, and controls procedures of such activities.
- The United Nations Human Rights Council, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and the International Criminal Court to inquire, evaluate, and in the event that necessary, institute formal investigations on alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.
- The congressional oversight agencies, as well as the U.S. Inspector General community, conduct immediate reviews to determine that national security activities do not contradict U.S constitutional protections, as well as treaty and other existing principles of proportionality and necessity.
Upholding Principles in the U.S. Foreign Policy
NYCFPA reiterates the fact that the fight against transnational crime and drug trafficking is a valid and worthy goal. Nevertheless, the security objective should not be met at the cost of human dignity, due process, and principles of international law. The respect of human rights is not an inhibition of the state power, it is the moral and tactical need.
When the state steps cross the boundary between military enforcement and extrajudicial violence, there is a risk that they will destabilize the security of the region, undermine the global trust, and undermine U.S. leadership in the human rights advocacy. The United States has traditionally been a supporter of accountability and openness; this is a primary standard that should be upheld in an ever multipolar and unstable world.
Our Standing Commitment
As the U.S. foreign policy research institute which promotes ethical, lawful, and world-responsible policy, NYCFPA will further track the unfolding developments and promote the accountability, transparency, and protection of civilian lives within all the U.S. and international security operations.
NYCFPA is united with global institutions, civil society associates, and those defending human rights that demand restraint, oversight, and following the rule of law. We reiterate the condemnation of the need to act promptly so as to advance the cause of justice, avert further human death and reestablish the pillars that support a rules-based international order.
