The United States has reportedly killed 235 people in strikes targeting vessels suspected of involvement in drug trafficking since 2025. These incidents occurred in international waters, raising concerns over civilian casualties and the legality of the operations. Details regarding the specific locations of these strikes and the identities of those killed remain scarce. Critics question the criteria used to identify “alleged drug boats” and the potential for misidentification, leading to unintended deaths. The US government maintains these actions are necessary to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs but has faced pressure to provide greater transparency and accountability. International law experts are debating the jurisdictional issues surrounding these strikes, particularly concerning the right to use lethal force against suspected drug traffickers at sea. The long-term effects of this policy on regional stability and counter-narcotics efforts are also under scrutiny.