Part 12/13:
These recent strikes symbolize a potential turning point: a move from law enforcement-style interdictions to overt military actions aimed at eradicating drug trafficking at sea. While the US government maintains these operations are necessary to defend national security, critics warn they set dangerous precedents—potentially fostering a new era where suspicion warrants lethal force, bypassing judicial procedures and international consensus.
The broader implications challenge the foundations of international law, sovereignty, and human rights. As diplomatic tensions rise and regional stability hangs in the balance, the future of regional cooperation and the legality of such unilateral military operations remain uncertain.