Pentagon deploys elite unit against drug smugglers in the Caribbean

The Pentagon has announced the formation of a new task force to combat drug trafficking in Latin America. It will be led by the US 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force and aims to strengthen operations against drug cartels.

The US Army has so far destroyed four suspected ships and killed 21 people. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the goal is to protect the US and eliminate smugglers.

However, this approach raises legal questions: experts point out that the use of lethal force without attempting to make arrests could violate the laws of war. It is unclear whether the soldiers have been given new powers—and whether President Donald Trump is preparing for intervention in Venezuela.

Critics also question why this task is not being carried out by the Coast Guard. The White House's explanation is that this is a “non-international armed conflict,” which, according to some, expands the president's powers.

The Pentagon claims that operations will take place at sea, with a focus on patrols, information sharing, and precision strikes.

(reuters, lup)