Part 4/10:
Beyond diplomatic tensions, recent reports indicate that the U.S. Navy conducted a kinetic operation against a vessel in international waters, suspected of involvement in drug smuggling. The strike appears to have resulted in casualties and is believed to target members of the Venezuelan-based TDA (Trenagua) organization, which allegedly had narcotics on board.
This action marks a significant increase in the use of lethal force against suspected drug traffickers operating in international waters. The operation raises crucial questions: Was the target indeed linked to TDA? Was this a justified military strike under international law? And what precedents does this set for future operations?