Killing “narco-terrorists” at sea: The legality of military attacks on criminal groups and drug trafficking under international human rights law and other applicable international law
Killing “narco-terrorists” at sea: The legality of military attacks on criminal groups and drug trafficking under international human rights law and other applicable international law
In one year since September 2025, the United States military has reportedly attacked 68 vessels, beyond the territorial sea of any State, which allegedly involved drug trafficking by criminal groups designated as “terrorist” under national law, killing at least 223 people. The attacks have been defended as lawful national self-defence and under international humanitarian law. Targeting “narco-terrorists” at sea is a new tactic that goes beyond prior practices of maritime interception and law enforcement. Particularly given its precedent-setting character and impact on the human right to life, it warrants close scrutiny for its consistency with international law. Military cooperation against drug cartels and gangs on land has also increased in the Americas, including under the “Shield of the Americas” initiative. (OHCHR – Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Genf, September 2026)